The “Long March” against Baloch genocide, organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), arrived in Tehseel Mangochar of the Kalat district on Monday.
In Mangochar, the participants were welcomed by locals, families of victims, and members of the BYC. A sit-in was organized at Mangocher Bazaar, where the marchers continued to express their demands and grievances. The sit-in was marked by emotional moments, particularly when the sister of Kifayatullah Nichari, a disappeared individual, shared her distress, leading to her fainting.
On Sunday, as the march proceeded from Khuzdar, it encountered challenges in Soorab. Protesters reported that their way was initially obstructed by the Police Force at a checkpoint, followed by roadblocks created using containers. Additionally, they reported obstructions created by individuals allegedly associated with a state-backed “death squad.”
Violence in Soorab led to two march participants, including a woman, being injured by security forces. Despite these challenges, the marchers reached Kalat city on Sunday night, where they were greeted by thousands of supporters in cold weather.
The march, which commenced in Turbat a week ago, is anticipated to reach Quetta today (Monday), passing through Mastung. In Quetta, the organizers plan to discuss further plans for their movement, potentially including a march towards Islamabad.
In a related event in Islamabad, relatives of forcibly disappeared Baloch persons have been protesting for the past fourteen days. On International Human Rights Day, they organized a seminar at the protest camp to draw attention to their ongoing struggle and call for justice.