Home Blog Page 157

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.

Detention of Baloch students & activists of the Baloch Long March by Pak Army continues

Despite the Interior Ministry’s statement announcing the release of all arrested students and activists, concerns remain regarding the whereabouts and well-being of several individuals detained during recent crackdown on the protests. Following the events of December 21st, when nearly 300 individuals were reportedly arrested near Chungi 26 and the Press Club in Islamabad, activists are demanding the release of those still in custody.

While 195 individuals have been released, the fate of 86 remains unclear. 52 are reportedly detained in Attock Jail, while 34 have been sent to Adiala Jail on judicial remand. Notably, the status and location of Dr. Zaheer Baloch, a prominent activist, remains unknown, raising concerns about his safety and well-being.

The continued detention of these individuals has sparked outrage and frustration among the Baloch community and human rights groups. Questions are being raised about the legality of the arrests and the lack of transparency surrounding the detained individuals’ status. This incident comes amidst continued tensions and ongoing long march by the Baloch community against enforced disappearances, human rights violations and disarmament of the Counter Terrorism Department.

Daring bomb attack on Pakistan Frontier Corps checkpoint in Buleda

Recently, a local bomb attack targeted a Frontier Corps (FC) checkpoint in the tehsil of Buleda, located in the Kech district of Pakistan. The incident unfolded on Sunday (24th Dec) evening, when unidentified individuals launched a daring assault on the security post.

Reportedly, the attackers utilized a locally made explosive device, directing it at the FC checkpoint with precision. The force of the explosion resulted in the significant destruction of the checkpoint. As of now, authorities have refrained from providing details regarding any casualties or injuries resulting from the attack.

In response, Pakistan Army have swiftly taken action. Following the attack, a comprehensive cordon and search operation has been initiated in the surrounding area.

Pakistan-occupied Balochistan, a resource-rich province, has been plagued by sporadic flare-ups of violence in recent years. Atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army against the Baloch community have motivated freedom fighters to take up arms against the brutal occupation.

However, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The longstanding grievances of the Baloch people against the Army, primarily concerning resource depletion and human rights violations, have fueled ongoing tensions in the region since the Army forcefully occupied Balochistan in 1948.

Awami Action Committee rejects surging wheat prices in Pak-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan

The joint meeting of the core committee and advisory council of Awami Action Committee in Pakistan occupied Gilgit-Baltistan vehemently rejected the newly proposed wheat prices set at Rs. 3600 per sack by the occupying government.

The committee decided to escalate the movement across Pakistan occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, aiming to intensify their stance against the occupying government’s decision. Additionally, they announced their support for a sit-in organized by the action committee in Skardu from December 26 onwards.

Kashmiris in the region are fervently demanding a rollback to the earlier wheat prices of Rs. 2200. For over seven months, the people of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (POGB) have been protesting against the substantial hike in wheat prices. Multiple demonstrations, including complete shutdowns and protest rallies, have been held. However, the Pakistani establishment and it’s puppet occupying government in POGB, have failed to address their concerns. Instead, they are formulating policies that undermine the rights of the native Kashmiris.

More than 200 male participants of the Baloch Long March still missing

Several students arrested by Islamabad Police, mostly Baloch, are currently held in various police stations in the capital. Following violence and arrests by Islamabad Police preventing the entry of the Baloch genocide Long March into Islamabad, female protesters were released during the night, but male protesters remain under police custody.

According to the Baloch Unity Committee in Islamabad, over 200 Baloch students, including those from other cities, are currently under police custody, including some Pashtun students. Students claim that arrested protestors are detained in various police stations in Islamabad, while none have been presented before a magistrate yet. Some students have been shifted by the police to an undisclosed location.

Despite the High Court’s order to release all detainees, no one has been released, and dozens of Baloch students are still under police custody. They are reportedly being held in harsh conditions, raising concerns of potential violence against them.

It should be noted that on 21st Dec, while attempting to block the entry into Islamabad, police used violence against Long March participants, including many children, who were injured. Later, the police transferred a large number of Long March participants into custody at various police stations.

There was also an attempt to transfer the women to Quetta from Islamabad late at night, but after strong resistance from the women, the police released the women and children under custody. On the other hand, protests continue across Pak-occupied-Balochistan against violence and arrests of Long March participants in Islamabad. Rally and protest events are also ongoing in Karachi and Lahore in solidarity with Long March participants.

EU Ambassador condemns Islamabad police’s treatment of Baloch women

The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Pakistan, Riina Kionka, has expressed strong disapproval of the Islamabad police’s treatment of Baloch protesters, particularly women, during recent demonstrations.

Taking to social media platform “X”, the EU ambassador to Pakistan expressed her concerns over the reports of Islamabad’s police action against participants of the “Baloch long-march” in the early hours of Thursday (21st Dec).

“Deeply worried by reports of mishandling at #BalochLongMarch2Islamabad. Freedoms of expression, assembly and association guaranteed in articles 19, 21 & 22, resp, of the International Covenant on Civil & and Political Rights (ICCPR), a core measure of GSP+ implementation,” she said in post on X.

https://twitter.com/RKionka/status/1738169919001477386

The EU ambassador’s condemnation comes amidst ongoing protests in Pakistan sparked by human rights abuses against the Baloch people. Recent demonstrations, including a long march against Baloch genocide, have seen a heavy police presence and reports of violence against both male and female protestors.

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 protesters’ call for justice extends beyond Bakhsh’s case; they seek an end to the cycle of violence and impunity that has plagued Pak-occupied-Balochistan for decades.

PTM demands immediate release of Pasthun leader Manzoor Pashteen

It has been more than 22 days since Manzoor Pashteen was arrested after a deadly attack was orchestrated on him by the Pakistan forces, but PTM Chief has not received any righteous representation. Agitated by an attack on his life and subsequent illegal arrest, Pashtuns are consistently holding protests and demonstrations. In a series of such protests, PTM held a latest demonstration in Loralai in Pakistan occupied Balochistan.

Thousands of Pashtuns reached Loralai and participated in the protest. It must be noted that Manzoor Pashteen was arrested on December 3 after a murderous assault over him by the Pakistan forces in Quetta. He was enroute to Turbat to participate in the Baloch genocide protest, which was organized against extra-judicial killing of 4 Baloch youth in custody of CTD.

The protestors demanded an immediate release of Pashteen. Earlier, the same protest happened in Quetta and Zhob. In Quetta large number of political parties also stood behind the PTM and voiced for the cause of Pashtuns. Apart from local protests, PTM has also resorted to protest overseas.

The common people in Pakistan are suffering at the hands of Pakistan Army. Since decades, Pakistan Army is running illicit operations in border area nearing Afghanistan. This has resulted in the terrorization of the region. With obvious reasons, the biggest ramifications of this terror havoc is inflicted over the innocent Pashtuns. PTM has, since beginning, raised this concern and posed questions over the audacity and intent of Pakistan Army that is the root cause of the problem. As the voice of PTM is becoming strong and is transcending the regional boundary to unify the communities in the struggle against Pakistan, the Punjabi Army is leaving no stone unturned to curb this revolt. Manzoor Pashteen’s hasty arrest is a clear proof of that.   

J&K: More forces deployed in an ongoing operation against Pak backed terrorists

The Poonch district witnessed an increase in deployment of security personnel on Monday as an ongoing search operation persisted in the forested terrain of Dera ki Gali. The search operation started in previous week after an ambush on two Army vehicles by heavily armed Pak backed terrorists from, resulting in the tragic loss of four soldiers.

Officials confirmed the deployment of additional forces in the Bafliaz area of Poonch district, further fortifying security measures in the region.

Amidst the somber atmosphere, a heartfelt farewell was accorded to the fallen soldiers – Naik Birender Singh, Rifleman Gautam Kumar, Naik Karan Kumar, and Rifleman Chandan Kumar – during a poignant wreath-laying ceremony in Rajouri on Sunday.

In a statement shared on X, the Indian Army affirmed, “Search operations by the security forces continue in the operational area subsequent to the December 21 incident. Reports concerning three civilian fatalities in the region have been received and are under investigation.”

Emphasizing its commitment to facilitating the investigation, the army reiterated its unwavering support and cooperation. The confrontation unfolded dramatically after terrorists opened fire on two army vehicles traversing through Dera Ki Gali in Rajouri’s Poonch region around 3.45 pm on Thursday.