Massive Baloch March protests against genocide and abductions in Dera Gazi Khan
A significant turnout marked the March against Baloch Genocide in Dera Gazi Khan as demonstrators staged a sit-in against the arrest of Baloch activists and the alarming disappearances of Baloch individuals.
Thousands of participants joined the ongoing rally organized by the Baloch Unity Committee in Dera Ghazi Khan, representing various regions including Makran, Jhalawan, Sarawan, Kohistan, Koh-e-Sulaiman, and Dera Ghazi Khan. Voices were raised against state terrorism, with protesters displaying placards and banners demanding an end to terrorism in Balochistan. The demonstrators emphatically declared that the Baloch nation would no longer tolerate kidnappings, killings, and fake encounters.
Political worker Mehrang Baloch, in a post on social media, asserted, "If this state thinks it has the force of paid soldiers, then it should remember that we have people's power, and with this people's power, the sit-in will continue until the recovery of our youth in DG Khan. Baloch people should ensure their participation in Dharna and tomorrow's protest rally."
Earlier in Turbat, Balochistan, the Long March faced resistance as at least 20 participants, including women, were detained when the Baloch Yakjehti Council's (BYC) long march reached Dera Ghazi Khan, reported Dawn.
Led by Mohammad Asif Laghari, the BYC's long march was intercepted on Shah Sikander Road. Police reported resistance from participants, leading to the detention of several men and women, though the women were later released.
The Baloch Yakjahti Committee posted on social media, stating, "Baloch Solidarity Committee's Dharna is continuing at DG Khan, Gadai Changi, but the police have blocked the road from all sides and are continuously harassing and harassing the Baloch people participating in the dharna."
Protesters were informed about the imposition of Section 144 by ASP City Rehmatullah Durrani, prohibiting processions or rallies. However, participants defied this directive, leading to legal proceedings under Section 144. Police warned of action against violators until December 19, according to Dawn.
A rally in Barkhan previously expressed solidarity with Balaach Mola Bakhsh's family. The BYC reported the marchers' departure from Kohlu town to Dera Ghazi Khan via Barkhan, where they faced a heavy police contingent. Attempts to enter Dera Ghazi town resulted in a police baton charge, with approximately 20 participants, including two women, taken into custody and moved to an undisclosed location.
BYC leaders condemned the baton charge, pledging to continue their struggle and reach Islamabad to protest the 'extrajudicial killing' of Bakhsh. The committee affirmed that the sit-in would persist until the activists from DG Khan are released.
"The brutal actions taken by the police in DG Khan for the last two days prove how much the state is afraid of the Baloch unity. By erecting obstacles in Sakhi Sarwar, Bawata Check Post, and all other areas, the state sent a message to the Baloch that Baloch have no human and constitutional rights," stated the Baloch Yakjehti Committee in a social media post.
The Baloch Long March, organized by the Baloch people, aims to end state terrorism and massacres in Balochistan. The committee urged the people of Dera Ghazi Khan and surrounding areas to join the ongoing sit-in and the planned protest rally at 12:00 am to denounce the collective genocide of the Baloch nation.
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