Protests in Gwadar Over Missing Levies Personnel Amid Balochistan Disappearances
In Balochistan, Pakistan, two Levies personnel have gone missing, leading to protests in the coastal city of Gwadar. The Levies, a local paramilitary force, are protesting the alleged enforced disappearance of their colleagues, Doda Khalid and Zakir Yaqoob, who were reportedly taken by Pakistani armed forces in Gwadar’s New Town on September 27. Three civilians were also reportedly taken, and their whereabouts are unknown.
Levies personnel gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office, demanding the release of their colleagues and vowing to continue their protest until Khalid and Yaqoob are returned. In another incident in Turbat, Kech district, a young man named Anees was abducted by armed men, raising further concerns about enforced disappearances in the region.
These incidents are part of a broader pattern of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, with accusations against the military and intelligence agencies of suppressing dissent and demands for autonomy. The disappearances have instilled fear in local communities and eroded trust in state institutions.
Doubts Revealed
Gwadar -: Gwadar is a port city in the southwestern part of Pakistan, located in the province of Balochistan. It is known for its strategic location and is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Levies Personnel -: Levies personnel are members of a local paramilitary force in Pakistan, especially in the Balochistan region. They are responsible for maintaining law and order in areas where regular police forces are not present.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is the largest province in Pakistan by area, located in the southwestern part of the country. It is known for its rich natural resources and has been a region with ongoing political and social issues.
Enforced Disappearances -: Enforced disappearances refer to situations where individuals are secretly abducted or imprisoned by the state or other organizations, often without legal procedures. This is a serious human rights issue as the whereabouts of the individuals remain unknown.
Turbat -: Turbat is a city in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. It is one of the major cities in the region and has been affected by various socio-political issues.
Crackdown on Dissent -: A crackdown on dissent refers to actions taken by authorities to suppress or control people who oppose or criticize the government. This can include arrests, disappearances, or other measures to silence opposition.
