BYC and its supporters protest against extrajudicial killings and violence in Balochistan

Baloch Yakzehti Committee (BYC) and families of victims have launched widespread protests across Balochistan demanding justice for recently killed Zarif Umar and Naveed Hamid, who were allegedly killed by Pakistani security forces, reports The Balochistan Post. Exhibited.

According to Balochistan Post, the protest organized by BYC saw a large participation of families and supporters of the victims. The demonstration began with a significant rally at Fida Chowk, near a camp set up by families and BYC members in Turbat.

The protesters, including women and children, marched through the main market and surrounding areas of the city before gathering outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Holding placards and shouting slogans, they demanded an end to human rights violations in the region as well as justice for both Omar and Hamid.

A protest was held outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office, in which initial talks were held with ADC Maqbool Anwar and later with ADC Khalil Murad. The protesters demanded immediate registration of an FIR against the killers of Zarif Omar and their prosecution. The families of the victims pledged to continue their protest at Fida Chowk until they get justice, The Balochistan Post reported.

A solidarity protest took place in Quetta, where BYC leaders including Mehrang Baloch and Sibgatullah Baloch addressed a large crowd. he/she condemned the killing of Zarif Umar, calling it a reflection of “growing impunity among state forces” and called for public unity against such injustice, as reported by the Balochistan Post.

Tension rose in Kech district as businesses closed in protest while security forces imposed restrictions, harassed protesters and confiscated mobile phones.

At Hub Chowki, security forces used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse peaceful protesters, resulting in injuries and arrests of women, children and elderly people, The Balochistan Post reported.

The protesters demanded an independent investigation into the murder of Zarif Omar and justice for Naveed Hamid. BYC warned of intense protests across Balochistan if their demands were not met and called on local and international human rights organizations to intervene and support their cause.