On the 25th and 26th of January, two pivotal dates in the history of resistance, pain, and hope are commemorated. The 25th marks the Day of Remembrance of the Genocide of the Baloch people, while the 26th honors the Day of Liberation of Kobanê. These dates not only serve to honor the sacrifices made by the martyrs but also to highlight the continuing struggle for freedom and justice in Balochistan and Kurdistan, says Ronahî-Youth Center for Public Relations.
Ronahî further states that the Day of Remembrance of the Genocide of the Baloch, observed on January 25th, recalls a dark chapter in the history of Balochistan. On January 25, 2014, the discovery of three mass graves Tootak area of Balochistan’s Khuzdar district revealed the brutal reality of the ongoing genocide of the Baloch people, with over 169 victims. To date, only two of the victims have been identified. Therefore, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has declared this day a solemn day of remembrance for the martyrs of Balochistan. “For decades, the Pakistani state’s genocidal policies have resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent Baloch, and the BYC continues to call for justice and international recognition of these crimes,” statement reads.
In parallel, the Day of Liberation of Kobanê, observed on January 26th, commemorates the heroic resistance and ultimate victory of the people of Kobanê in northern Syria, Ronahî said. On January 26, 2014, after months of fierce combat, the Kurdish and internationalist forces in Kobanê successfully liberated the town from the clutches of ISIS. This liberation was a pivotal moment in the fight against extremism, symbolizing the power of resistance even in the face of overwhelming odds. Thousands of lives were lost in this struggle, including numerous internationalists who came from across the globe to stand in solidarity with the people of Kobanê, Ronahî added.
These two important days of remembrance share a common thread: the fight against fascism and oppression. The call for international solidarity is stronger than ever as we confront systems of domination, violence, and state repression. The oppression faced by the Baloch people under the Pakistani state and the resistance in Kobanê against ISIS are stark reminders of the resilience of marginalized peoples.
“We must not only remember,” said a representative from the Ronahî-Youth Center, “but understand. The martyrs of Balochistan and Kobanê lived for freedom and justice. Their sacrifices continue to inspire us. To live for the freedom of our people, we must embrace their example.”
The message of these commemorations extends beyond the borders of Kurdistan and Balochistan. Fascism, whether from the Pakistani state, Turkey, or any other power, remains a global issue. The need for solidarity between peoples fighting for justice, freedom, and dignity is crucial to overcome these forces.
The Ronahî-Youth Center, in collaboration with the Baloch National Movement (BNM), issued this statement calling for international solidarity on these critical days. Their message highlights that the struggle for freedom is universal, with 21st-century socialism rooted in the friendship and unity of oppressed peoples. The Baloch National Movement continues to stand in solidarity with the resistance in Kurdistan, while the Kurdish movement calls for justice for the Baloch people.