Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan, witnessed an unprecedented show of public support as tens of thousands of people lined the streets to welcome back Dr. MahRang Baloch and participants of the Baloch Long March against genocide.
The participants were showered with flowers and warmly greeted by thousands as they entered the Hazar Ganji area of Quetta and made their way to Balochistan University, where an immense crowd had assembled. “It appears the whole of Quetta is out on the streets,” a protester told TBP, showcasing the scale of the public response.
Previously, the Baloch caravan received welcomes in Zhob and Kuchlak areas of Balochistan, with locals chanting slogans against inhumane policies and welcoming the march participants.
Sammi Deen Baloch, a leading figure of the Baloch march, shared images of the rally on social media. Reflecting on the strength of public support, she stated, “We have not returned with a sense of defeat but with the power of the people, ready to confront state violence and policies against the Baloch. This gathering is a public court’s decision against the terror, savagery, and misuse of power by the authorities.”
In her powerful address to the crowd in Quetta, Dr. MahRang Baloch passionately urged for unity and continued support. “When we left Turbat, we were women and children, uniting people against the Baloch genocide,” she recounted.
She spoke of the disrespect and terrorism accusations faced during the Islamabad sit-in. “We were called terrorists; our mothers were disrespected. Islamabad told us, ‘Baloch, go back to your land.’ Now, it’s time to drive them out,” she urged.
Dr. MahRang emphasized the brutality of the state and the need for the Baloch people to unite. “Our struggle is a fight for survival,” she declared, dismissing any negotiations with government-affiliated sardars and condemning those exploiting the movement for political gains. “The Baloch nation has awakened, standing as heirs of their martyrs, mothers, sisters, and land,” she concluded, rallying the crowd.