Mahrang Baloch Speaks Out Against Pakistan’s Actions to Stop Baloch Gathering in Gwadar
Balochistan [Pakistan], July 25: Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch has accused Pakistan of using its full might to sabotage the Baloch National Gathering ‘Baloch Raaji Muchi’ in Gwadar. During a press conference, Mahrang Baloch, the Central Organiser of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), stated that forced disappearances of BYC members and threats to service providers would not stop them from organizing peaceful assemblies.
‘The state is using its full might to sabotage the Baloch Raaji Muchi in Gwadar. Abducting BYC members, threatening people not to provide services for the gathering, and spreading fear among the public would not hamper us from organizing peaceful assembly,’ she said.
Mahrang further warned that if the state deliberately tried to create hurdles in ‘Baloch Raaji Muchi,’ then the entire Balochistan would be blocked indefinitely. The BYC, a Baloch rights organization advocating against human rights abuses and enforced disappearances in Balochistan, is organizing a mass gathering in Gwadar on July 28. The event aims to peacefully protest against ongoing abuses, including enforced disappearances, harassment of political and human rights activists, and the socio-economic exploitation of indigenous people.
On Wednesday, the BYC called on human rights organizations to address the increasing human rights abuses committed by Pakistani law enforcement agencies in Balochistan. In a letter posted on social media platform X, Mahrang Baloch highlighted the urgent need for intervention to protect the lives and freedoms of Baloch activists and citizens. Additionally, state authorities have been manipulating laws to sabotage the Baloch National Gathering in Gwadar. Transport owners, sound management companies, and catering services have been threatened not to provide BYC with essential services for the event.
Doubts Revealed
Mahrang Baloch -: Mahrang Baloch is a person who speaks up for the rights of the Baloch people. She is called an activist because she works to bring attention to problems and tries to make things better for her community.
Pakistan -: Pakistan is a country in South Asia, next to India. It has different regions, and one of them is Balochistan, where the Baloch people live.
Baloch -: The Baloch are a group of people who live mainly in the region called Balochistan, which is part of Pakistan. They have their own language and culture.
Gwadar -: Gwadar is a city in Balochistan, Pakistan. It is known for its port, which is important for trade and shipping.
Baloch National Gathering -: The Baloch National Gathering, also called ‘Baloch Raaji Muchi,’ is a meeting where Baloch people come together to talk about their rights and issues they face.
Forced disappearances -: Forced disappearances happen when people are taken away without warning, and their families don’t know where they are. This is often done by the government or other powerful groups.
Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) -: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee, or BYC, is a group that works to bring Baloch people together and fight for their rights. ‘Yakjehti’ means unity or togetherness.
Service providers -: Service providers are people or companies that offer services like electricity, water, or internet. In this context, they are being threatened to stop helping the Baloch people.
Human rights abuses -: Human rights abuses are actions that harm people’s basic rights and freedoms. This can include things like unfair treatment, violence, or not allowing people to speak freely.
Socio-economic exploitation -: Socio-economic exploitation means taking unfair advantage of people, especially in terms of money and social status. It often involves making people work hard for little pay or benefits.
Indefinite blockades -: Indefinite blockades mean stopping people or goods from moving freely for an unknown amount of time. This can make it hard for people to get what they need.