Balochistan [Pakistan]: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has accused Pakistani security forces of attempting to disrupt protests against the rise in targeted killings of Baloch youth, alleging that an internet shutdown was also imposed in the area.
The protests in Zehri, Khuzdar, were part of a series of demonstrations organized by BYC to oppose the increasing targeted killings of Baloch youth.
“BYC Zehri and general public organized a protest rally. The rally started from Hospital Road to Allah Wala Chowk. However, the paramilitary forces (FC) and along with death squad members blocked the roads and hampered the rally to proceed forward. The internet was also shutdown in the entire area,” BYC stated in a post on X.
Despite Blockades, Protesters March Against Baloch Genocide
Despite obstructions, a large number of people, including women, children, and victim families, joined the protest to voice their concerns over the systematic persecution of the Baloch people.
The BYC strongly condemned the harassment, violence, and restrictions imposed by the Pakistani security forces against what they described as a peaceful demonstration.
“Freedom of assembly for one’s rights is a fundamental right, and the Baloch nation would never back down from peaceful resistance against ongoing genocide,” BYC asserted.
BYC Announces More Protests Against State Repression
On Sunday, the BYC announced a series of upcoming protests across Balochistan to denounce the systematic oppression faced by the Baloch people at the hands of Pakistani security forces.
The group alleged that state agencies had intensified their crackdown, increasing targeted killings and enforced disappearances. They claimed that intelligence agencies, security forces, and affiliated militias were systematically targeting Baloch youth.
Balochistan: A Region Struggling Against Repression
Balochistan has long suffered from state repression, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings of activists, scholars, and civilians. The province also faces economic neglect, with poor infrastructure, lack of development, and limited political autonomy adding to the grievances of the Baloch people.