August 13, 2024
By Nadeem Khan
QUETTA:
Following successful negotiations between the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and the government, the BYC has ended its sit-in in Gwadar, with leaders vowing to continue their struggle against enforced disappearances and for the rights of the Baloch people.
The final BYC meeting took place on Monday, August 12, in Quetta, drawing a large crowd of participants.
Gulzadi Baloch, a member of BYC, confirmed that for now the sit-in has ended. “We will inform the public about the next steps on social media.”
She added that the BYC would continue to resist enforced disappearances and the FC and military occupation in Balochistan.
According to the BYC leaders, the purpose of these gatherings was to express gratitude to workers for supporting the Baloch Raaji Muchi, and to honor the sacrifices of three activists.
The BYC had initially called for a ‘Baloch Raaji Machi’ (Baloch National Gathering) rally on July 28 in Gwadar to protest against enforced disappearances in Balochistan. After the tragic deaths of activists, the rally turned into a sit-in that lasted for 12 days until their demands were addressed.
Bebarg Baloch, BYC leader, said: “The purpose of our protest was to highlight the attacks on Baloch people, unite the Baloch community, and raise our demands in one consolidated voice against the racial discrimination faced by Baloch people.”
He confirmed that demands were agreed upon during negotiations between BYC and the Balochistan government.
The demands included all arrested BYC activists to be released, FIRs against participants be quashed, FIRs for those killed or injured during the Baloch Raaji Muchi to be lodged against responsible security officers.
In addition to the main gathering in Gwadar, protests were also held in Shal, Panjgur, Turbat, and Nushki in Balochistan.