In the heart of Balochistan’s Khuzdar district lies Tehsil Wadh, a region gripped by escalating violence as two armed groups, led by BNP-Mengal chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal and Shafiq Mengal, engage in intense clashes. The recent clashes have transformed the area into a battlefront. After a temporary ceasefire, the clashes have again resumed.

The confrontations, which commenced on a Wednesday evening, saw the use of heavy weapons, prompting the suspension of traffic on the vital Quetta-Karachi highway. Sardar Akhtar Mengal and his supporters have accused Mir Shafiq Mengal of heading a notorious “death squad” backed by Pakistani forces. Allegedly responsible for spying on Baloch nationalists and forcibly disappearing individuals, these local militias seek to weaken Baloch nationalists ahead of the upcoming elections, with Sardar Akhtar Mengal himself in their crosshairs.

The situation has been further complicated by grave allegations levied against Shafiq Mengal by Baloch nationalists, activists, and journalists. Accused of numerous human rights violations, drug trafficking, kidnappings, and targeted killings in Wadh and Khuzdar regions, he has been linked to the discovery of over a hundred bodies in mass graves in 2014. These bodies bore signs of torture and had been defaced with lime, making identification impossible.

The confrontation, lasted over two hours before authorities intervened. The Khuzdar administration had managed to broker a temporary ceasefire until Thursday morning, with ongoing talks to establish a permanent resolution between the armed groups.

Efforts Of Reconciliation And Resumption Of Armed Clashes In Wadh

Amid the tense situation, Wadh’s markets and public areas have remained closed, forcing residents to stay confined to their homes. Despite the cessation of gunfire, armed men from both factions have entrenched themselves in their positions.

In light of the situation, Nawab Aslam Raisani, chief of Sarawan tribes, had called on Akhtar Mengal, Shafiq Mengal, and other tribal elders to pursue reconciliation following tribal customs. Stressing the importance of settling disputes peacefully, he warned that internal strife would only weaken the Baloch cause and play into the hands of their adversaries.

In response to the escalating situation, veteran rights activist Mama Qadeer Baloch, also Vice-Chairman of the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), had also made a heartfelt appeal to the Mengal tribe in Wadh. Urging them to resolve their disputes through traditional Baloch methods, he emphasized the need to prevent further fragmentation within the community and urged the intervention of the Khan of Kalat to facilitate negotiations between Akhtar Mengal and Shafiq Mengal.

While the negotiations were on the line, today the firing started once again, in which a civilian is allegedly injured. Akhtar Mengal’s daughter Benari Mengal has confirmed that the rockets have been launched over their house by the faction of Sharif Mengal.

As Pakistan gears up for its upcoming fake elections, tensions in Balochistan are expected to rise further. The Baloch National Movement (BNM) spokesperson has issued a grave warning, that Pakistan wants bloodshed in Balochistan during the so-called elections. The statement points to a disturbing trend of enforced disappearances, human rights violations, and state oppression that casts a dark shadow over the electoral process.

According to the BNM spokesperson, enforced disappearances have become a coercive tool employed by Pakistan to force individuals into voting, instilling fear through increased state oppression. Past elections have witnessed a notable rise in human rights violations and enforced disappearances, raising concerns about the fairness and legitimacy of the electoral process in the region.

The situation in Balochistan has escalated to a troubling extent, with military killings and enforced disappearances on the rise. The process of recovering forcefully missing persons has also seen a decline, adding to the anguish and distress of affected families. The situation has further deteriorated by the recent reports of enforced disappearances in Dera Bugti. Along with that, unabated killings and disappearances in Awaran and Kech districts have heightened apprehensions among the Baloch population.

Pak Instigated Violence Causing Mental Turmoil

The spokesperson attributed the violence perpetuated by the Pakistan Army in Balochistan to an increase in mental illness and suicide among the youth, leading to a surge in fear and anxiety throughout society. The situation has further exacerbated the existing sense of unrest and instability in the region.

Of particular concern is the claim that the Pakistan Army is allegedly attempting to create a civil war-like scenario in Balochistan, intending to cause extensive violence during the elections. The motive behind this move is purportedly to mask their crimes against humanity, presenting them as a political or tribal conflict. In areas like Wadh, the Pakistan Army is actively conspiring through death squads to pave the way for the establishment of a puppet government.

The spokesperson asserted that the Baloch people must remain vigilant and wise in comprehending the circumstances to prevent the occupying state’s sinister intentions. As, unity and a cohesive society are seen as vital elements in countering potential violence and safeguarding their rights and future.

In recent developments, the talks between the Students Grand Alliance and the Balochistan University authority have failed. Earlier, speculations were made that negotiations had reached a conclusion, but the protestors denied the claim.

The administration is unable to make any decisions regarding the special exams because the students have decided to continue with the protests. Even after the notifications are out for the exams, they won’t budge until their demands are met.

For the last ten days, the students of Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology Khuzdar have been protesting, demanding their list of demands to be met. Their demands encompass various aspects, such as reducing fees, eliminating ‘unnecessary’ surveillance cameras, restoring scholarships, and lifting restrictions on study circles. Additionally, they insist on the removal of the current examination controller, whom they accuse of displaying intimidating behavior.

The peaceful sit-in protest saw a brutal crackdown when the Police and Frontier Corps tortured the protestors in the University premises and detained several students, who were later released.

In solidarity, The Baloch Students Action Committee held a protest rally in the capital Quetta and campaigned in favor of the protestors on social networking sites.

On the World Day for International Justice, the Baloch National movement (BNM) staged a protest in Dusseldorf, Germany.  During the protest, various members of the BNM along with other Baloch individuals gathered and expressed concern over the gross human rights violation in Balochistan.

On July 15, the demonstration was held outside the Dusseldorf Central Station. BNM General Secretary Sangat Jabbar Baloch expressed concern over the human right abuses in Balochistan. He said that the cases of enforced disappearances have increased. More than 10,000 students have forcibly disappeared from their houses and are present in the Pak Army torture cells. Outlining the terror industry of Pakistan, he stated that Pakistan has destroyed Afghanistan and terrorized South Asia. He requested the EU and UN to take action against the exploitation of Baloch land. According to him, Balochistan is a resources rich nation but is under the exploitation of Pakistan. He said, “Pakistan took our gold, copper, mine, yet we have no school, no road, no electricity, nothing.”Apart from him, BNM Germany NRW Deputy Unit Secretary Sangat Amjeed Murad, Sangat Badal Baloch, Joint Secretary Sangat Shar Hassan also addressed the gathering.

BNM Fighting Pak Atrocities

BNM has been fighting for the Baloch Rights for more than 27 years now. It has raised its voice against the infamous ”kill and dump” and “enforced disappearances” policy of Pakistan. Since its illegal occupation in March 1948, Balochistan has witnessed the worst phase of human rights violations. Unfortunately, the International organizations, including UN have turned a blind eye towards the atrocities on Baloch people. Nonetheless, to resist the illegal encroachment and exploitation of Baloch land and raise the issue of human rights violation by Pakistan, BNM has taken a center stage. Now BNM has its presence in various countries across the world especially Europe. The Baloch Diaspora, although being small has continuously raised the issue of Balochistan in the respective countries.