Balochistan [Pakistan], February 16: Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch has strongly condemned the “targeted killings” of Baloch intellectuals, calling it a clear indication of “Baloch genocide.” She stated that this form of violence is a continuation of the “hit and throw” policy, which began with the extrajudicial killing of Ghulam Muhammad Baloch and his associates in 2009, and is aimed at ideologically erasing the Baloch nation.
In a post on X, Mahrang Baloch remarked, “The policy of killing Baloch intellectuals and scholars through targeted killings is a telling form of Baloch genocide. It is a continuation of the ‘hit and throw’ policy that began with the extrajudicial killing of martyr Ghulam Muhammad Baloch and his associates in 2009, and is tantamount to sterilizing the Baloch nation from an ideological perspective.”
The statement comes after a report by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) on Saturday, which highlighted the ongoing crisis in the region due to enforced disappearances by ‘security forces and state-sponsored death squads.’ The BYC raised concerns about the harassment of families of victims, who were allegedly threatened, had their phones taken, and were subjected to intimidation.
This week, BYC also condemned an attack by ‘state-sponsored militias’ that led to the injury and subsequent death of a civilian. The group described the ongoing suffering of villagers, who are reportedly being subjected to robbery, kidnapping, and killing by these groups.
Balochistan continues to face numerous challenges, including severe state repression, extrajudicial killings, and the abduction of activists and civilians. The region suffers from economic neglect, poor infrastructure, and a lack of political autonomy.
Earlier, Mahrang Baloch had raised concerns over the abduction of Baloch woman Asma Baloch, emphasizing that Balochistan remains one of the most dangerous regions in terms of human rights violations.