January 24, 2024
A Voicepk Special Report
ISLAMABAD
After 60 days of sitting in the open air, hoping against hope that someone from the government might hear their demands and their misery, Baloch protestors have now begun to dismantle their camp from outside the National Press Club.
Islamabad’s bitterly cold nights and gray and dreary days did nothing to deter these families who had come marching from Turbat after they staged a protest there first. Their feet are blistered and calloused but the pain of losing their loved ones is just as fresh as it was when it happened.
A part of Dr Mahrang Baloch is also depressed, but this firebrand has not given up.
Phase 5 of our campaign is to wrap it up, go back home, and start all over again, she says.
“Our protest campaign began against ‘Baloch genocide’ and the State’s ‘kill and dump’ policy,” she says replying to a question by journalist Munizae Jahangir for Voicepk’s segment ‘Uncensored’. “They pick up Baloch youth and kill them in their custody, and there is no justice. As we leave from here, we still plan on carrying on this movement in Balochistan against every violation of our rights – mobilizing people and strengthening them to speak out.”
The real number of missing persons in Balochistan is far higher than the numbers being given. But families are threatened and live under constant intimidation says Marang. “We will help them find their strength. We will visit every village and home and help our people find courage. There is no political party or organization that can represent people with their real problems.”
She says the mission of December 6 2023 was successful.
“The biggest thing was that we have registered 500 families with us, and now they have become part of our movement. We have brought together the general public. There are hundreds and thousands with us in this campaign and this is the important thing.”
The fear that had been instilled by the State has now disappeared, says Mahrang Baloch. “Once this happens, people will begin speaking out more about things they don’t want.”
“One of the biggest milestones is that Balochistan today has sprung up against all unlawful and illegal activities. This is an inhumane way- butchering someone who is different than you – to seek such people and then to butcher them…it only ends in resentment.”
We came here to sit down and talk to the state and its agencies. But instead of that they pelted us with batons and violence, said Mahrang. “You called us a threat so that if anyone even dies here it would automatically be our fault. We want to show why its so important to go through this struggle. We also want to recognize the handful of journalists who have stood by us.”
Unfortunately, none of the political leaders have spoken a word about us. One of the biggest issues plaguing this country has never been talked about by any political leader. This is a decades-long issue and they have yet to see a moist eye over it.
“You are doing this to us for the last 70 years or so,” says Mahrang. “You think mothers will never forget their sons? You are mistaken.”
There are such families at the camp where women have died but their fight for justice is now being carried out by their sisters or others. We want to go house to house and ask them to join us. “You attacked them, and now they are even more politically aware than before. What you did with them in the cold here in Islamabad, they will remember their entire lives. These are families from all over Baluchistan, they will now visit other homes and tell them everything about you. They will encourage them to stand up against you.” she said referring to the State.
We know for sure this struggle will not stop here- it will become a new ray of light for them. And we will always stand up against unlawful, illegal and inhumane acts. If a State is being violent towards its citizens silence is not an option. the only way to protest is to go speak up.”