The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) Kech Zone has launched a three-day symbolic hunger strike camp in Turbat to protest the prolonged, “illegal” detention of its leaders, the judiciary’s failure to deliver justice, and the rising number of enforced disappearances across Balochistan.
The camp, which began on June 19, is being held outside the Turbat Press Club and is expected to continue for three days. According to BYC, the protest was launched despite police efforts to block the setup of the camp. A large number of women, BYC activists, and families of missing persons have joined the demonstration.
In a statement, the group condemned the continued incarceration of leaders under the colonial-era Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law, saying it reflects the judiciary’s failure to uphold the constitution and protect citizens’ rights. The committee named several members, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Shah Ji Sibghatullah, Beebarg Zehri, Beebow Baloch, and Gulzadi Baloch, who remain in jail for the past three months.
BYC accused the Balochistan High Court of siding with state authorities by dismissing their petitions and expressed hope that the Supreme Court, where new cases have now been filed, will provide justice and rule against the detentions.
The group also raised alarm over what it described as a new wave of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, claiming that some missing persons have been killed in staged encounters and falsely linked to nationalist outfits.
BYC concluded by urging human rights organisations to intervene and hold the state accountable for what it calls systematic violence and repression against the Baloch people.