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Baloch United Front sets deadline for Pak Army to meet Baloch Long March protesters’ demands

Islamabad : On 28 Dec, leaders of the Baloch United Front (BUF) held a press conference at their protest camp in front of the Press Club in Islamabad. They condemned the Pakistan Army’s use of force against the Baloch Long March, which has been ongoing for the past week. The march began in response to the extrajudicial killing of Balach Mola Bakhsh by the Pak Army.

The BUF leaders said that the Army has used violence, baton charges, water cannons, jail, humiliation, and other means to try to sabotage the march. They pointed to the attacks on Baloch women and children, the arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances of hundreds of Baloch students and youth who had gathered to welcome the long march participants, and the harassment of women who were sleeping at night.

Baloch United Front Calls

The BUF leaders stated that, when these tactics failed to halt the march, the Army resorted to employing journalists disguised as officials to torment the participants. They mentioned that many of these journalists were dispatched with the intent of crafting a false narrative about the long march participants. Furthermore, the Army exerted pressure on the families of victims of enforced disappearances and other political activists to propagate their narrative, aiming to divert attention from terrorism, murder, and enforced disappearances.

The BUF leaders emphasized that the Army’s sincerity and commitment to negotiations are questionable. On one hand, it claims to be willing to negotiate with the protesters to address the issues, while on the other hand, it persists in arresting, kidnapping, detaining, torturing, and harassing protesters. They highlighted the misleading information presented to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, noting that two days ago, the Islamabad Police falsely reported that all the students had been released.

Protesters Demand Rights

The BUF leaders said that the families of victims of enforced disappearances, people who have been subjected to Army repression, and political activists have come to Islamabad from thousands of miles away in search of justice. However, they stated that the Army’s behavior has been anything but that of an army dealing with its citizens. Instead, it has been the behavior of a master dealing with its slaves.

The BUF leaders stated that they have given the Army a seven-day ultimatum to negotiate on the following demands:

  • A fact-finding mission, led by the United Nations Working Group on Human Rights, should be dispatched to Pak-occupied-Balochistan to investigate human rights violations.
  • A treaty aimed at ending enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Pak-occupied-Balochistan should be signed in the presence of the United Nations Working Group.
  • All Baloch individuals who have been forcibly disappeared, especially those whose families are involved in the protest, should be released immediately.
  • The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), the agency responsible for extrajudicial killings in Pak-occupied-Balochistan, should be banned, and death squads operated by the Army should be disbanded. A written statement to this effect should be issued.
  • The Army should acknowledge its involvement in the killing of forcibly disappeared individuals in fake encounters. In this regard, a letter of confession should be issued by the Ministry of Interior, and a press conference should be conducted, including the names of all the victims.
  • Additionally, all fake First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against peaceful protesters should be withdrawn.

Baloch Families Seek Justice

The BUF leaders have stated that if the Army does not engage in serious negotiations on these demands and persists on behaving as it has over the past week, the BUF will express its disappointment to the Army’s institutions and present its case to the Baloch people. The people will then make a decision.

The BUF leaders emphasized that the Army has one week to demonstrate to the Baloch people its sincerity in ending the genocide of the Baloch population. All forms of human rights abuses and illegal actions, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other forms of repression, must be halted immediately. If the Army is unwilling to change its colonial mindset, then the decision will rest with the Baloch people’s court.

Attack on Hindu temple President’s residence rattles community in Canada

The Surrey Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is actively investigating an alarming incident after gunfire targeted the residence of a prominent Hindu businessman. The incident, occurring on December 27 at approximately 8:03 a.m. in the 14900 block of 80 Avenue, has raised concerns within the community. According to a statement by Surrey RCMP, the targeted home belongs to the son of Satish Kumar, president of the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey. At least 14 rounds were reportedly fired at the house, as confirmed by Kumar.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with Kumar stating, “I can’t say whether [the attack] was by Khalistanis or some extortionist. Police is investigating the case.” Previous incidents of alleged targeting of the temple by Khalistani activists were also mentioned by Kumar.

Although no injuries were reported, the house showed damage consistent with bullet holes. Police conducted a thorough investigation at the scene, gathering evidence and seeking potential witnesses or CCTV footage from the area.

The Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit has taken charge of the case, aiming to determine the motive behind the attack.

Increased vandalism of Hindu temples

This incident adds to the concerns within Hindu communities in Canada, coinciding with increased vandalism and attacks on temples. Community leaders urge law enforcement to treat these incidents as potential hate crimes and calls for enhanced security measures for temples.

Previously in November, Canadian MP Chandra Arya shared a video allegedly depicting pro Khalistani supporters in Surrey, hinting at disruptions at the Hindu Lakshmi Narayan Mandir.

Recent episodes include temple vandalism in Surrey and the defacement of temples in Brampton and the Greater Toronto area with anti-India graffiti. These occurrences align with a surge in pro-Khalistan activities and online rhetoric advocating for a separate Sikh state.

Community leaders emphasize the need for law enforcement to probe these incidents as potential hate crimes and allocate resources for temple security. The Canadian government has denounced the attacks and pledged support for affected communities.

Despite assurances, apprehension lingers within the Hindu community. India has also raised concerns regarding defaced Hindu temples in Canada on multiple occasions.

Pak desperate to create unrest in Kashmir post Art 370 abrogation

That normalcy returning to Kashmir Valley irks those who stand to gain from unrest in this region is a well known fact. This lot comprises the pro-Pakistan lobby who thrive on lavish financial incentives provided by Pakistan Army’s spy agency Inter Services Intelligence [ISI], as well as local politicians who cunningly push the discourse of abnormality to further their own motivated agendas and self serving interests.

This year has been a particularly good one for the people of Kashmir as the results of the post Article 370 abrogation people-centred initiatives launched by both the center and J&K’s Union Territory administration have started showing. Furthermore, tourism, which provides sustenance to thousands of locals and is the mainstay of J&K’s economy, is booming once again and with the culture of frequent protests and shutdowns becoming a thing of the past, its business as usual in Kashmir Valley.

While the locals are happy with the current state of affairs and improving security situation, such a scenario irks Pakistan to no end and as such the ISI continues working overtime to ‘manufacture’ abnormality. After Article 370 abrogation, ISI created new terrorist groups like The Resistance Front [TRF] and People’s Anti-Fascist Front [PAFF] to wreak havoc in J&K and thereby create an impression that things here weren’t normal.

It’s no secret that TRF and PAFF are offshoots of Lashkar-e-Taiba [LeT] and Jaish-e-Mohammad [JeM] terrorist groups respectively and their prime focus on attacking minority community members, migrant workers and off duty police men clearly indicates that their sole aim is to create an atmosphere of fear. Luckily, the security forces assisted by J&K police and the local population have been able to apprehend several ‘hybrid’ terrorists recruited by Pakistan’s proxies and thwarted ISI plans to escalate violence levels.

Nevertheless, the pro-Pakistan lobby continues to peddle falsehood by painting a doomsday scenario in J&K and the unfortunate death of three civilians who had been taken into custody for questioning by security forces after terrorists ambushed two army vehicles in Poonch is the latest example. Though unpardonable, this tragic incident is clearly an aberration, which in all probability is the result of those involved violating the laid down standard operating procedures on this subject.

The fact that the Army has been completely honest and forthcoming in taking full responsibility for these deaths without offering any excuses or making any attempt to shield the guilty is praiseworthy as it demonstrates its zero tolerance for human rights violations. However, the pro-Pakistan lobby in J&K has found this incident to be a handy stick for beating the security forces with and is trying to peddle a completely erroneous impression of jungle prevailing in J&K by pasting posters suggesting that the daily life of Kashmiris has worsened.

That this poster campaign hasn’t succeeded only goes to prove that the people of Kashmir have outrightly rejected this ludicrous allegation.  

Both the civil administration and army have reacted responsibly to this incident. While the former has sanctioned compensation to bereaved families of the deceased and assured government jobs for their next of kin, the Army has ordered a court of inquiry to conduct a time bound investigation of this incident and establish the facts. Furthermore, in order to ensure complete objectivity and rule out the scope of any unwarranted influence on the investigation, the army has even removed officers who could possibly have vested interests in this case from the appointments they were holding when this incident occurred.

What merits attention is that despite extreme provocation by Pakistan apologists, the people of Kashmir continue to repose implicit faith in the Indian army and its justice system. Public anger amongst locals due to the death of three civilians detained by the Army for questioning is but natural. However, the pro Pakistan lobby needs to realise that its attempts to claim that this specific instance of collective ire is an all inclusive ‘thumbs down’ given to the Indian army is, by any standards, being too farfetched and convinces no one!

Dera Ghazi Khan families join Islamabad protest against Baloch enforced disappearances by Pak Army

Islamabad: Amid ongoing protests against Baloch genocide and enforced disappearances in Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan, families from Dera Ghazi Khan added their voices to the call for justice. They marched alongside Baloch activists in the capital, Islamabad, demanding the recovery of their loved ones who vanished at the hands of Pakistan Army.

Islamabad is currently witnessing fervent demonstrations as families and relatives of both Balochistan’s disappeared individuals and those missing at the hands of Pakistan Army in Dera Ghazi Khan join forces to amplify their collective voice. The primary objective of the protest is to draw attention to the urgent need for the recovery of the forcibly disappeared and to seek accountability for these troubling incidents.

One of the participants in the protest, Zulfiqar Ali, shared the heart-wrenching story of Sona Buzdar, who was forcibly disappeared on March 16, 2017, from the Zinda Pir area of Dera Ghazi Khan. Zulfiqar emphasized that despite the passage of time, Sona Buzdar’s whereabouts remain unknown, intensifying the anguish of the family.

The protest also sheds light on the disappearance of Muhammad Ijaz, son of Saeedullah Baloch, who vanished from Tonsa Sharif on September 23, 2023. Ijaz, a dispensary worker in Multan, disappeared after appearing for FSC exams. His family, grappling with uncertainty, disclosed that on the night of September 23rd, Ijaz left home for the clinic at 11 a.m. He was seen on CCTV footage going towards Chowk Hashim, but no trace of him has been found since.

The protest, a stark reminder of the human cost of enforced disappearances, adds another layer to the complex tapestry of Pakistan’s human rights struggles. The march began in response to the extrajudicial killing of Balach Mola Bakhsh by the Pak Army, sparking concerns about enforced disappearances and human rights abuses in Pak-occupied-Balochistan. As the families of Dera Ghazi Khan and Balochistan join forces, their shared grief becomes a powerful call for action, demanding that the Army listen and act with justice and transparency.

Sindh: Radical Islamists attack another Hindu Temple

In a series of attacks on minority’s places of worship in Pakistan, Rama Pir Temple also known as Baba Ram Dev Mandir, another Hindu temple has been attacked by a radicalised mob in Tando Allahyar, Sindh.

CCTV footage from the temple premises clearly shows a radical extremist mob with sticks and batons in their hands and attack the temple and start beating Hindu worshippers. The chilling visuals yet again stress towards a disturbing reality of unending persecution of minority Hindus in Pakistan.

Interestingly, the Hindu temple being attacked is the third largest Hindu pilgrimage site in Sindh and holds immense significance among the community, dedicated to an 19th century saint Baba Ramdev.

Hindus are continuously targeted by the radical Islamists in Pakistan, be it through the deadly attacks, framing in blasphemy cases, abduction of Hindu women and minor girls, their forcible conversion or marriage. The sole motive behind these illicit practices is to convert the entire population of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. In line with that temples also come under a strong attack as the places of worship act as a center of faith for any religion. Attacking the temples is clearly a blatant violation of human and minority rights that is guided against religious diversity.

Notably, Pakistan has a history of vandalizing temples, sometimes at the behest of establishment too. Earlier, a 100-year-old Mari Mata mandir and Hinglaj Mata Mandir were vandalized in Sindh. The attack on the Hindu temple in n Tando Allahyar once again reminds that Hindus in Pakistan are not safe and that immediate measures needs to be taken to protect them.   

Mahrang Baloch openly criticizes Pak media, calls them Pakistan’s ISI agents

Islamabad: In a fiery speech outside the Islamabad Press Club, prominent Baloch rights activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch levelled scathing attack against Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency and its involvement in controlling the media narrative of Pak-occupied-Balochistan. She said ISI is sending embedded journalists to covertly control the narrative surrounding the ongoing Baloch genocide.

Dr. Baloch, leading a “Long March and Protest against Baloch Genocide,” addressed the media, stating, “You (journalists) are not here on your own. The ISI sends you without uniforms. You have never condemned the bloodshed on our land, and I challenge any media channel to come to Balochistan and witness the truth for yourselves. Our land is stained with blood due to your institutions,” Dr. Baloch declared, directly addressing the Pakistan Army.

Responding to inquiries about the journalists’ role, Dr. Mahrang Baloch claimed that these individuals were ISI agents, admonishing them for their attire. She stated, “The attire you are wearing is your reality. With that uniform, don’t raise the microphone; you have disgraced it.”

ISI News

She further criticized the media’s complicity in perpetuating the Army’s narrative, stating, “We knew who your channel was flattering, who was funding you. You broadcast the Army’s story. It would be easier if you called yourselves ISI News instead of Bol News, but we still respected you.” She asserted that instead of reporting on Baloch genocide, killings, and looting, the channel aimed to end statements with criticism.

Addressing the media’s lack of coverage on Pak-occupied-Balochistan, Dr. Mahrang emphasized that despite the ongoing bloodshed and atrocities, the media had failed to condemn these acts.

In response to accusations against major institutions like the ISI, she challenged journalists to find evidence within their own questions. Dr. Mahrang Baloch expressed disappointment in the failure of responsible journalists to address Baloch genocide, emphasizing that they preferred to conclude statements with criticism against their cause.

Highlighting the colonial treatment of Balochistan, she claimed that the Army had stained the land with blood, yet there had been no condemnation of this bloodshed.

Killing Nawab Bugti

She challenged journalists to investigate the reality on the ground, stating, “You haven’t seen Turbat, Hoshab, Awaran. You need a visa to enter Awaran. This is the Balochistan you haven’t seen, the one you portray through fabricated narratives.” Dr. Mahrang Baloch challenged journalists to condemn the firing on Nawab Bugti by Yahya Khan and their hero Musharraf, urging them to criticize the Army for its actions against innocent people.

Dr. Baloch’s call for accountability extended, urging journalists to “get condemnation from Yahya and your biggest hero Musharraf for firing on an 80-year-old Nawab Bugti.”

She concluded her address with a powerful message of defiance, stating, “The entire Baloch nation stands with us. We will not tolerate even one step of yours on our land. That gun, shooting at innocents, we are against it.” And by declaring the solidarity of the entire Baloch nation against their genocide, asserting that they would not tolerate any intrusion on their land. Dr. Mahrang Baloch firmly stood against the use of force on innocent people and urged journalists to confront the harsh realities of Pak-occupied-Balochistan. The Baloch conflict, a long-running desire for independence, has been marred by human rights abuses committed by Pak Army.

The march began in response to the extrajudicial killing of Balach Mola Bakhsh by the Pak Army, sparking concerns about enforced disappearances and human rights abuses in Pak-occupied-Balochistan. The protests and sit-ins arose from both a demand for justice for Baloch victims and a call for action against the perpetrators within the CTD, which has become a tool for the Army’s raids, abductions, and indiscriminate extrajudicial killings

Islamabad Police re-arrests Manzoor Pashteen on fake charges shortly after bail

In the latest development Manzoor Pashteen was once again arrested by the Islamabad Police soon after he was granted bail by the ATC court.

Manzoor Pashteen’s bail application was heard by ATC judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain where Prosecutor Raja Naveed and Manzoor Pashteen’s lawyer held a debate around the charges put over Pashteen.

After hearing the arguments of the parties, the ATC approved the bail in both the cases filed against PTM Chief in Police Station CTD. The bail was approved for a bail bond of Pak Rs. 30,000.

However, soon after he was granted bail, Islamabad Police again pressed fresh charges and arrested him in a new case. Earlier, they arrested him illegally and took his physical remand out of mere allegations. Police knew that mere allegation is sufficient for a physical and judicial remand. To increase the incarceration period, they orchestrated another fake case to arrest him just a couple of hours after he was granted bail.

Pakistan forces’ modus operandi of declaring victim as aggressor

Notably, Manzoor Pashteen was arrested on December 3rd. Deputy Commissioner Chaman Raja Athar Abbas claimed in a statement that Manzoor Pashteen was arrested after a firing at the police from his car.

However, 4 hours before his statement, PTM released a statement that Manzoor Pashteen’s car was allegedly fired upon by law enforcement agencies while he was on his way to Turbat from Chaman, where a protest was ongoing against extrajudicial killings.

“In various instances involving the police, CTD, or even the Pakistan Army, a consistent pattern seems to emerge. They often initiate an extra-judicial event and subsequently portray the victim as the aggressor. A similar scenario unfolded with the innocent Baloch youth, whose extrajudicial killing prompted protests in Turbat, where Pashteen was going to visit. The CTD claimed that all four Baloch individuals were terrorists killed in an encounter. However, it later surfaced that these deceased individuals had been in their custody for days prior to the alleged encounter.

Masarat Alam’s Muslim League Jammu Kashmir is ‘Unlawful Association’

In the latest crackdown against the separatist and terror harbouring elements in the Jammu and Kashmir, the union government has taken a significant step. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has declared Muslim League Jammu Kashmir- Masarat Alam faction (MLJK-MA) an unlawful organisation under the UAPA. The decision was taken as MLJK-MA has been found involved in anti-national and separatist activities while inciting people for secession.

Taking to X (formarly Twitter), Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote,

“The ‘Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)’/MLJK-MA is declared as an ‘Unlawful Association’ under UAPA. This organization and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J&K supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule in J&K.”
He went on to say, “The PM @narendramodi government’s message is loud and clear that anyone acting against the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of our nation will not be spared and face the full wrath of the law.”

Masarat Alam, a terrorist and a separatist

Declaring Masarat Alam’s organisation as unlawful is apparently one of the much needed step as, although irrelevant, he is the head of the  All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) separatist group. He assumed its chairmanship 6 days after separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani fied in 2021. However, he has been in Tihar jail for many years now. Aged 50 years, Masarat Alam is known for his hard line separatism and staunch support for Pakistan, which makes it very clear why he acquainted with terrorists at the first place.

In fact, before joining Hurriyat under Geelani, Masarat was a local commander of Pakistan based terror group Hizbollah founded by Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat. Interestingly, Mushtaq was the person who had founded a separatist outfit called Muslim League in 1988. It is also said that it was Masarat Alam, who promoted stone pelting despite Geelani’s unwillingness, which made him a person of interest for Pakistan.

Sindh Police files FIR against Pak anti-violence protesters supporting Baloch

In a move sparking condemnation and raising concerns about growing suppression of dissent, the Sindh Police have registered an FIR against protestors who condemned violence against Baloch activists and the recent arrests of their leaders.

This development comes against the backdrop of the Baloch Unity Committee’s Long March from Turbat to Islamabad, demanding an end to the forceful occupation of Pak Army in Balochistan and upholding the rights of the Baloch people. The march witnessed a brutal crackdown by Pak Army, leaving many injured and scores arrested.

The march, sparked by the death of Balaach Mola Bakhsh in extrajudicial killing, calls for stop of Pak Army’s “Kill and dump” policy, release of missing persons, disarming of the Pak Army’s tools of exploitation such as Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).

The fresh FIR against Karachi protestors accuses them of inflammatory speeches and chanting slogans against Pak “establishment”. Leader Nasir Manzoor, human rights activist Saeed Baloch, Abdul Wahab Baloch, Shoaib Baloch, and others have been named in the FIR.

This move by the Sindh Police raises eyebrows, following similar tactics used against supporters of the Long March in cities like Nall, Khuzdar, Kohlu, and DI Khan, where terrorism charges were slapped against individuals welcoming the marchers.

This is another attempt by the oppressive Army to stifle dissent and suppress the Baloch struggle for self-determination. The accusations levied against protestors are made-up and aimed at silencing legitimate criticism of on-going brutality in Balochistan.

The Pakistan Army has a long history of involvement in enforced disappearances, brutal kill-and-dump policies, daily home raids, staged encounters, target killings, torture, humiliation at checkpoints, kidnappings for ransom, and uses the CTD & police as tools of oppression.

Masked men target Baloch protesters, steal communication speakers

Despite facing continuous harassment, profiling, and bullying by the Islamabad Police and Pak Army, the Baloch protest against the alleged genocide and enforced disappearances in the region has entered its 33rd day with a steadfast sit-in outside the National Press Club.

However, the peaceful protest witnessed a worrying turn of events on the night of December 25th, as masked men armed with guns arrived at the sit-in camp in a Vigo car. At approximately 3:15 am, unidentified individuals dressed in civilian clothes stole the protest’s sound system. This occurred despite the presence of multiple police officers and surveillance cameras in the vicinity of the National Press Club, where the sit-in protest is taking place.

The incident took place in the middle of the night, when most families were asleep. Reportedly, the masked individuals harassed the protesters, stole the speaker system used for communication, and fled the scene. Disturbingly, Islamabad Police were present during the entire incident, raising questions about their role and inaction.

This incident comes immediately after the police installing a surveillance camera in front of the protest camp just a day prior. These actions by Islamabad police are fueling concerns about intimidation and suppression of the peaceful protest. Baloch activists and human rights groups have strongly condemned the midnight raid and the continuous harassment of the protesters.

The incident has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of security measures at the protest and the role of the police in ensuring the safety of demonstrators. The ease with which the individuals departed the scene, despite being within camera range and with police officers present, has fueled doubts and concerns about the authorities’ commitment to protecting the protesters.

Adding to the frustration, the police responded to inquiries about the theft by claiming they were “unaware of the issue.” This response further angered and dismayed the protesters, who believe the police must have witnessed the incident or could have easily apprehended the perpetrators if they had been truly vigilant.

The ongoing protest highlights the plight of the Baloch people and the long-standing issue of enforced disappearances in the region. While the exact number remains unknown, human rights groups estimate that thousands of Baloch activists and civilians have disappeared over the years by the Army. Some victims have resurfaced but are too traumatized to even talk, and the bodies of others have been found lying across different parts of Pakistan-occupied Balochistan. The rest of the victims are still missing, reliving their worst nightmares over and over again.

The international community has also expressed concern about the situation in Balochistan and called for a transparent investigation into the enforced disappearances. However, the Pakistan Army has consistently denied any wrongdoing and accused the protesters of being involved in terrorist activities. As the protest enters its 34th day, the eyes of the world remain on Islamabad. The peaceful demonstration for justice and accountability stands as a stark reminder of the need for transparency and human rights in the region.