Baloch National Movement Raises Alarm Over Disappearance of NUML Students
In Quetta, Balochistan, the Human Rights Department of the Baloch National Movement, known as Paank, has voiced serious concerns about the recent disappearance of ten students from the National University of Modern Languages (NUML). According to a post by Paank, these students were taken during a raid by Pakistani forces at their residence near IJP Metro Station, Rawalpindi, on October 31, 2023. The students, who are from Balochistan and were preparing for their midterm exams, have suddenly vanished, causing significant alarm.
The missing students have been identified as Salim Arif, Balach Fida, Khuda Dad, Khalil Ahmed, Hammal Hassani, Babar Atta, Noor Muheem, Iftikhar Azum, and Ahssam. They were enrolled in various disciplines at NUML. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Baloch students in Pakistan, where reports of enforced disappearances and state repression are common.
Advocates argue that these disappearances are part of a systematic effort to suppress dissent and intimidate those who speak out about the political and human rights situation in Balochistan. There have been numerous reports of extrajudicial killings of Baloch activists and students, often linked to state operations against perceived separatist movements, leading to allegations of state-sponsored violence.
Baloch students often face discrimination in educational institutions, affecting both access and the quality of education. Reports of harassment and intimidation are common, especially for those who express political dissent or advocate for Baloch rights. Over a hundred cases of mass abduction by Pakistani forces have been documented in Balochistan, creating a climate of fear and anxiety among the people.
Despite the violent measures employed by the Pakistan armed forces to suppress protests, the Baloch Youth Congress (BYC) and the Baloch community continue to resist enforced disappearances. These incidents have instilled deep fears within the Baloch community, as such abductions are seen as violations of their rights and freedoms.
Doubts Revealed
Baloch National Movement -: The Baloch National Movement is a group that works for the rights and independence of the Baloch people, who live in a region called Balochistan, which is in Pakistan.
NUML -: NUML stands for the National University of Modern Languages, which is a university in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, where students learn different languages and cultures.
Rawalpindi -: Rawalpindi is a city in Pakistan, near the capital city Islamabad, and it is known for its military headquarters.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a large province in Pakistan, known for its natural resources and the Baloch people who live there.
Enforced disappearances -: Enforced disappearances happen when people are secretly taken away by authorities or groups, and their families do not know where they are or what happened to them.
State repression -: State repression refers to actions taken by a government to control or silence people who disagree with them, often using force or intimidation.
Dissent -: Dissent means having a different opinion or disagreeing with the government or authority, and expressing that disagreement.
Mass abduction -: Mass abduction is when a large number of people are taken away by force, often by authorities or armed groups, without their consent.
