Balochistan: Protests intensify in Awaran as Diljan Baloch’s sister begins hunger strike demanding his/her safe return

The sister of missing Diljan Baloch has started an indefinite hunger strike in front of the Deputy Commissioner office in Awaran demanding his/her safe return.

Diljan Baloch was reportedly detained by Pakistani security forces at his/her home in Awaran on June 12, 2024. his/her whereabouts are unknown after the Balochistan Post report.

Protests calling for his/her recovery began on 18 November, when family members and local residents blocked main roads in Awaran. Although the road blockade was eventually lifted after assurances from officials, the protest continues outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

According to the report, during a press conference at the protest site, Diljan’s sister announced a hunger strike, expressing her frustration over the unfulfilled promises of the authorities and local leaders. “We have waited too long for answers. This hunger strike is our last hope,” she said.

The protesters are demanding the immediate release of Diljan and the dismissal of charges against protesters in previous protests. “If we suffer any loss during this protest, the district administration will be responsible,” the family said.

Meanwhile, rights organization Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) has launched a social media campaign on Twitter to raise awareness about the enforced disappearance of Diljan and express solidarity with her family. The campaign is scheduled for Sunday, December 1 from 8 pm to midnight.

“This is an initiative to amplify the voices of the oppressed and strengthen the demand for justice for Diljaan and his/her family,” BVJ said in a statement.

The organization highlighted that the family has been protesting for more than 12 days, referencing the previous sit-in on October 3, 2024, which lasted for four days.

That protest ended after local authorities promised to resolve the problem within ten days, but no progress was made, leading the family to resume their protest on 18 November. BVJ also condemned the alleged harassment of the family during their protest.

“This campaign is designed to raise public awareness of the suffering of victims of forced disappearance and to show solidarity with the oppressed,” the statement said.