Baloch Student Action Committee Protests in Quetta
On November 2, the Baloch Student Action Committee organized a protest in Quetta, Pakistan, demanding the release of Suhail Baloch and Faseeh Baloch, two students who have been missing for three years. These students from Balochistan University were forcibly disappeared from their hostel on the night of November 1 and 2, 2021.
Protest Details
The protest started at the university and moved to the Quetta Press Club, gathering a large number of participants. The committee condemned the abduction of students, farmers, and teachers, highlighting that victims are often taken from their homes and educational institutions. Protesters referred to Balochistan as “gumshuda-istan,” meaning “land of the disappeared,” due to the rising cases of enforced disappearances.
Enforced Disappearances
Reports indicate over 70 cases of enforced disappearances in October alone, with many victims being students. The protesters urged international human rights organizations to support the victims and raise awareness about these violations. Additionally, ten students from the National University of Modern Languages were reportedly disappeared by Pakistani forces in Rawalpindi.
Call for Action
The Baloch National Movement’s Human Rights Department identified the missing students, emphasizing the systemic oppression faced by Baloch students. The Baloch community continues to suffer severe human rights violations, prompting urgent calls for international intervention.
Doubts Revealed
Baloch Student Action Committee -: The Baloch Student Action Committee is a group of students from the Balochistan region in Pakistan. They work together to raise awareness and fight for the rights of Baloch students, especially when they face problems like disappearances.
Quetta -: Quetta is a city in Pakistan and the capital of the Balochistan province. It is known for its beautiful mountains and is an important cultural and economic center in the region.
Missing Students -: Missing students refer to students who have disappeared and cannot be found. In this context, Suhail and Faseeh Baloch are two students who have been missing for three years, and people are worried about their safety.
Enforced Disappearances -: Enforced disappearances happen when people are secretly taken away by authorities or groups, and their families do not know where they are. It is a serious human rights issue because it causes fear and suffering for the families.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a large province in Pakistan, known for its natural resources and diverse culture. However, it has faced many challenges, including political and social issues, which sometimes lead to protests and conflicts.
International Support -: International support means getting help or attention from other countries or global organizations. In this case, the protesters want the world to notice the human rights problems in Balochistan and help find a solution.
National University of Modern Languages -: The National University of Modern Languages is a university in Pakistan that offers courses in different languages and other subjects. It is known for promoting language learning and cultural understanding.
Pakistani Forces -: Pakistani forces refer to the military and security agencies in Pakistan. They are responsible for maintaining law and order, but sometimes they are accused of being involved in enforced disappearances.
