Central leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) have expressed grave concerns over an ongoing state crackdown against their organization.
Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Tuesday, BYC leaders cited illegal arrests, violence in prisons, and widespread human rights abuses.
Sammi Deen Baloch said that Dr. Mahrang Baloch and other central committee members had been detained for more than a month.
She said the crackdown against the BYC began after an armed attack on the Jaffar Express, an incident with which the organization had no connection.
She alleged the attack was used as a pretext to “maliciously target” the BYC.
Ms Baloch emphasized that the BYC is a peaceful organization operating within constitutional and democratic boundaries.
“Violence or confrontation has never been part of the organization’s struggle,” she said.
Ms Baloch said state institutions were targeting peaceful protesters, particularly families of victims of enforced disappearances.
She said the burial of unidentified bodies in Quetta and the denial of access to them had created deep fear and concern among families.
She alleged the state’s behaviour had “effectively criminalised lawful and constitutional demands.”
According to Ms Baloch, since the crackdown began on 19 March, more than 200 BYC members have been arrested, with only a few subsequently released.
She said that Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Bebarg Baloch, Sibghatullah Shahji, Beebow Baloch, and Gulzadi Baloch remain in custody. Ms Baloch alleged that the detained leaders had been subjected to torture and harassment inside prisons.
She said that on 24 April, police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel entered Quetta’s Hudda Jail and assaulted Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Beebow Baloch, and Gulzadi Baloch.
She said Beebow Baloch was later forcibly disappeared and transferred to Pishin Jail. Ms Baloch alleged that surveillance cameras had even been installed inside the restroom at Pishin Jail.
She said all central leaders launched a hunger strike to protest the violence inside the jail. The hunger strike, she said, lasted five days and severely affected the detainees’ health.
Ms Baloch said the strike was temporarily ended following intervention by family members and lawyers, but that concerns for the leaders’ safety remain.
The BYC appealed to the United Nations, international human rights organizations, journalists, and civil society to take notice of the situation.
They called for the immediate release and protection of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Bebarg Baloch, Sibghatullah Shahji, Beebow Baloch, and Gulzadi Baloch.