Traders in Kech, Balochistan Close Shops to Support Families of Missing People

In Kech, Balochistan, families whose relatives are missing have been protesting for their safe return. For several days, they have staged a sit-in, demanding answers and justice.

Community Support

Traders and residents in Kech have shown their support by voluntarily closing their shops and businesses. This act of solidarity means they are giving up their daily earnings to stand with the protesting families.

Baloch Yakjehti Committee’s Statement

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee, an organization advocating for Baloch rights, shared on social media, “On the 15th day of the sit-in protest, Kech has come to a standstill with a complete shutter-down protest. In a powerful display of solidarity, traders and residents of Kech have voluntarily closed their businesses to stand with the elderly, men, women, and children participating in the protest. Unity and resistance can only guarantee our survival against such a barbaric State and its institutions.”

Background of the Protests

For years, the Baloch people have protested against issues like autonomy, human rights, socio-economic disparities, and political injustices. The abduction of Baloch students and activists has been a significant concern, with reports of harassment, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings.

International Concerns

Human rights organizations have documented cases of Baloch activists being abducted and found dead under suspicious circumstances. While Pakistan denies these allegations, claiming that casualties are due to security operations against insurgents, the international community remains concerned about human rights violations and the suppression of Baloch rights.