Pakistani security forces have launched a large-scale military operation in Balochistan’s Dera Bugti district forcibly disappearing several people and establishing new military checkpoints, a Baloch political group has said.
The Baloch Republican Party (BRP) said that Pakistani intelligence agencies and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) carried out raids on several homes in Sui and Dera Bugti. During the raids, women and children were allegedly subjected to violence, while homes were looted.
According to the BRP, several residents were taken into custody and remain missing. Those identified include Ali Baig and Jamal, both sons of Pahi Bugti, Pir Jan, son of Karman Bugti, Ali Khan, son of Jani Bugti, Durra, son of Mohammad Bux Bugti, Dadu, son of Karman Bugti, and Haider, son of Dil Muhammad Bugti.
“These raids reflect the increasing intensity of state violence against the Baloch people,” BRP spokesperson Sher Mohammad Bugti said. “Enforced disappearances have become a daily occurrence in Balochistan.”
The BRP also reported that Pakistani forces are establishing new military checkpoints across Dera Bugti. Three checkpoints have been set up in the Marav area, while another has been installed in the Karamzai neighbourhood, right in the middle of residential homes.
Further posts are reportedly being constructed near Kachi, close to Sui.
“The expansion of checkpoints is creating serious difficulties for local residents,” Mr Bugti said. “Commuters and patients are being harassed, and there are reports of extortion from vehicles passing through.”
The BRP has called on the international community, including the United Nations and human rights organisations, to take notice of the situation and raise their voices against “state violence” in Balochistan.