The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) Kech organised a seminar on the first death anniversary of Balach Maulabakhsh. The event took place at Shaheed Fida Chowk in Turbat and was attended by people from different backgrounds, including lawyers and a large number of local residents. Leaders, lawyers, and activists from Quetta and other parts of Balochistan also joined the seminar.
Dr Mahrang Baloch, the central organiser of the BYC, spoke at the event. She said the state is engaged in policies of exploitation of Baloch resources and genocide. She highlighted that for the past two decades, daily killings have become a grim reality in Balochistan.
Dr Mahrang explained that Balach’s body was treated as unclaimed and left behind, but instead of remaining silent, his family chose the path of protest. From November 23 to December 6, 2023, a sit-in was held in Turbat alongside the body, followed by a long march from Turbat to Islamabad.
She added that despite the state’s oppression, the Baloch people must keep fighting for their rights. Over the past year, more than 200 young Baloch have gone missing, leaving many families in pain and distress, she added.
Mehrab Khan Gichki, President of the Makran High Court Bar, said enforced disappearances are a serious crime that goes against both the country’s constitution and international laws. He warned that similar actions in Bengal in the past had devastating consequences and said the same must not happen in Balochistan.
Abdul Majeed Shah, President of the Kech Bar Association, criticised the state’s ongoing operations in Balochistan. He said none of the military actions carried out over the past 70 years have improved the situation, but instead made things worse.
Sabghatullah Shahji, a leader of the BYC, said Balach’s sacrifice has motivated the people to continue their struggle. He urged everyone to stay united and resist any conspiracies against them.
Another speaker, Abdul Majeed Dashti, suggested that the BYC should work to raise awareness about the problems faced by the Baloch people, both locally and internationally. He proposed forming a team to take the Baloch case to the International Court of Justice.
Balach’s brothers, Younas Baloch and Mujeeb Raheem honoured the “martyrs” through poetry. The speakers pledged to keep fighting for justice and the rights of the Baloch people.
In the end, the speakers said that the seminar showed how Shaheed Balach Maulabakhsh’s sacrifice has inspired the Baloch people, which is fostering a unified and organised public movement against oppression.