Baloch Families Rally Across Balochistan on Eid, Urging Return of Missing Loved Ones » Capital News

Apr 14 – Amid the joyous celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr worldwide, Balochistan bore witness to a poignant scene as hundreds of families took to the streets in various cities, passionately advocating for the return of their missing loved ones.

Organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), these demonstrations marked the 16th consecutive year of protests on Eid, underscoring the enduring plight faced by the Baloch community.

From bustling urban centers like Quetta, Khuzdar, and Turbat to smaller towns like Mastung and Panjgoor, the streets echoed with chants demanding justice and the safe release of those who have disappeared. Joined by human rights organizations, activists, and political figures, the protestors sent a powerful message of resilience and solidarity.

The presence of women and children among the protestors added a poignant dimension to the demonstrations, symbolizing the profound impact of enforced disappearances on Baloch families. Many carried new clothes and shoes, hopeful symbols of their fervent desire to welcome back their missing relatives.

Mama Qadeer Baloch, Vice-Chairman of VBMP, spoke passionately about the two-decade-long scourge of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, emphasizing the relentless efforts of families over the past 16 years to seek justice. Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent figure in the BYC, condemned the apathy of state institutions and lamented recent incidents of disappearances and alleged extrajudicial killings.

As the world celebrated Eid with joy and festivity, these solemn protests served as a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights crisis in Balochistan. The contrast between global merriment and local anguish underscored the urgent need for attention and action to address the plight of the Baloch people.

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