The Pakistani forces have registered an FIR against Baloch human rights activist Sammi Deen Baloch, student leader Dr. Sabiha Baloch, rights activist Gulzar Dost, and several other organizers and participants of the “Long March against Baloch Genocide”. The FIR accuses the march participants of blaming the Pakistani security forces and law enforcement agencies for “terrorism” and tarnishing their image on the behest and support of foreign agencies.
Sammi Baloch, one of the accused, responded to the FIR by stating that registering an FIR against peaceful protestors is a sign that the people in power are “panic-stricken”. She further added that the Long March is a legal and peaceful march for the recovery of Baloch missing persons, and it will continue until the missing persons are safely released.
The “Long March against Baloch Genocide” is a peaceful foot march that started from district Kech after the alleged extrajudicial killing of Baloch missing persons in an alleged fake encounter by the Counter-Terrorism Department of Pakistan. The family members of the slain individuals, with support from civil society and the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, decided to march from Turbat to Quetta in pursuit of justice. After days of grueling march, the Long March has reached Quetta.