Tense Situation in Gwadar: Pakistani Forces Clash with Baloch Protesters
In Gwadar, Pakistan, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee reported a severe crackdown by Pakistani forces on the Baloch National Gathering. The military allegedly fired on unarmed protesters, resulting in numerous casualties.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee stated, “The situation in Gwadar is extremely tense and dangerous. Thousands of military personnel have brutally attacked the #BalochNationalGathering, directly firing on unarmed participants, killing and wounding hundreds.”
The military has sealed Marine Drive and initiated a brutal crackdown, preventing ambulances from reaching the injured and abducting and torturing participants. The Baloch rights group described the situation as a war-like scenario, with the military arresting people on sight and raiding homes.
The Baloch community is calling for international intervention from the United Nations and Amnesty International. They are also urging local resistance through shutter-down strikes and roadblocks across Balochistan.
Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch praised the courage of the protesters and vowed to continue the sit-in until all detainees are released. She stated, “The sit-in will continue until all our convoys reach Gwadar safely and the release of all our arrested participants. For this, we are ready to bear all kinds of pain and make sacrifices.”
The Baloch community has long suffered from severe human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary detentions, and suppression of free speech.
Doubts Revealed
Gwadar -: Gwadar is a port city in Pakistan, located on the southwestern coast. It is known for its strategic importance and is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Pakistani Forces -: Pakistani Forces refer to the military and security personnel of Pakistan. They are responsible for maintaining law and order in the country.
Baloch -: Baloch refers to the people from the Balochistan region, which is a province in Pakistan. They have their own distinct culture and language.
Baloch Yakjehti Committee -: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee is a group that represents the interests of the Baloch people. They organize protests and gatherings to demand rights and justice for their community.
Baloch National Gathering -: The Baloch National Gathering is a meeting or protest organized by the Baloch people to discuss their issues and demand their rights.
Casualties -: Casualties refer to people who are injured or killed in an event, such as a clash or accident.
Siege -: A siege is a situation where a place is surrounded by armed forces to prevent people from entering or leaving. It often involves cutting off essential supplies.
Abducted -: Abducted means taken away by force. In this context, it means people are being taken away by the military without their consent.
Tortured -: Tortured means causing severe physical or mental pain to someone, usually to get information or as punishment.
International intervention -: International intervention means other countries or global organizations getting involved to help solve a problem or conflict.
Strikes -: Strikes are when people stop working to protest against something. It is a way to show that they are unhappy with a situation.
Roadblocks -: Roadblocks are barriers set up on roads to stop or control the flow of traffic. They are often used during protests to disrupt normal activities.
Activist -: An activist is a person who works to bring about social or political change. They often organize protests and campaigns to raise awareness about issues.
Mahrang Baloch -: Mahrang Baloch is an activist from the Baloch community. She is involved in organizing protests and demanding the release of detained people.
Detainees -: Detainees are people who have been arrested or held by authorities, often without a trial.
