In a historic public demonstration, Shahwani Stadium in Quetta hosted one of the largest gatherings in Balochistan’s history. Organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), this significant event was part of their campaign against “Baloch genocide.”
Tens of thousands, including a diverse group of women, political workers, and students from different regions of Balochistan, attended the gathering. The event was marked by participants chanting slogans against “Baloch Genocide and state oppression,” and featured Balochi language revolutionary songs.
A Case Registration Camp was established by the organizers for families affected by enforced disappearances to submit details about their missing relatives. Additionally, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) declared January 25th as an annual Day of Baloch Genocide to raise global awareness.
Dr. MahRang Baloch, leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, addressed the massive gathering, highlighting the rally as a pivotal moment and the beginning of a revolution in Balochistan.
“Today, the participants have proved that they stand with their mothers and sisters in their struggle for the recovery of their loved ones,” she said, acknowledging the crowd’s commitment.
Dr. Baloch emphasized the need for resolute defiance against the policies of the Pakistani state. “It’s time to speak the language they understand. We have endured enough, and our response will be in the language of resistance,” she stated, reflecting the determined spirit of the Baloch people.
Addressing the “atrocities and injustices” committed by the state, Dr. Baloch noted the resilience of the Baloch nation. “They tried to instill fear, but today, I see that fear shattered. This gathering carries the fragrance of the revolution, a dream our martyrs had, a yearning of these mothers for over 15 years,” she declared passionately.
While criticizing the government, she described those in power as “deaf and dumb” and unresponsive to the people’s voices. “They have weapons, but we have the courage to continue our struggle against the atrocities and injustices,” she vowed, affirming the continuity of the movement.
Asserting widespread support for the movement across Balochistan, Dr. Baloch clarified that the gathering was more than just a sit-in or a traditional public meeting. “It is the voice of the Baloch people from Nokundi to Parom and Koh-i-Suleman to Makuran,” she said.
In her concluding remarks, Dr. Baloch affirmed her commitment to the movement. “This movement is for the survival of Balochistan, and I will continue to defend it,” she stated resolutely.
Following Dr. MahRang Baloch’s powerful address, Sammi Deen Baloch, daughter of the forcibly disappeared Dr. Deen Mohammad Baloch and General secretary of Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), took the stage. She highlighted the severity of the situation faced by the Baloch people, criticizing the state’s response to their peaceful protests and demands.
Sammi Deen Baloch expressed strong disapproval of the state’s tactics, which she described as oppressive and unjust. She emphasized that the Baloch people would no longer tolerate enforced disappearances and human rights violations. She condemned the state’s actions, stating they go against the constitution and laws of the country, and called for an end to these practices.
She asserted that the Baloch people have reached a point where they can no longer tolerate state oppression. “After 75 years of atrocities, we have reached a point where further oppression, brutality, and the burden of more corpses are intolerable. The control of our lives won’t be dictated by others; we claim that right for ourselves. To us, resistance means life, survival, and consciousness.”
The event continued for several hours, featuring additional speeches from Mama Qadeer Baloch, a veteran campaigner for missing persons, Prof. Manzoor Baloch, and other leaders. Each speaker echoed the sentiments of resistance and the necessity for justice, further amplifying the event’s message.