The Baloch Yakjehti Committee has declared that starting Wednesday, a week-long series of candlelight vigils will be held across Pak-occupied-Balochistan to honor the martyrs of Baloch Raaji Muchi. In addition, a Raaji Soghandi Diwan (Raaji Mourning Assembly) will be organized to commemorate their sacrifice.
The spokesperson for the committee urged all zones to prepare extensively for the Diwan and to pay a profound tribute to the martyrs. He emphasized the importance of these events in honoring their memory.
Meanwhile, the sit-in protest in Gwadar, which is now in its ninth day, continues to draw attention to Pak Army’s brutality and savagery in response to the Baloch Raaji Muchi movement. The spokesperson highlighted that despite facing numerous hardships and state oppression, the Baloch people are demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination.
— Baloch Yakjehti Committee (@BalochYakjehtiC) August 5, 2024
The ongoing protests represent a significant advancement in the public resistance movement within Pak-occupied-Balochistan, though it is acknowledged that this struggle remains long and challenging. The spokesperson called on the Baloch people and the Baloch Yakjehti Committee members to be mentally and intellectually prepared for this extended struggle, as it is crucial for achieving success.
The statement further said that the Pak Army has resorted to extreme measures of brutality in an attempt to undermine Raaji Muchi. However, the courage and resolve of the Baloch people have underscored that public power is the ultimate force, rendering occupied-state power insignificant in comparison.
Moreover, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) will host a discussion on X (formerly Twitter), featuring central leadership, intellectuals, and journalists who will address the Pak Army’s crackdown on Raaji Muchi and the current situation in Pak-occupied-Balochistan.
The protest in Gwadar against Pak Army brutality related to the Baloch Raaji Muchi movement has now entered it’s tenth day. On Wednesday, an Awami Diwan was held at the sit-in, where discussions focused on the leadership of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee and the current conditions affecting the local population. Protestors agreed on the need to intensify the struggle against the Baloch genocide and emphasized the importance of bringing this movement into every home across Pak-occupied-Balochistan.
Despite ongoing Pak Army oppression and atrocities, the participants of Baloch Raaji Muchi remain resolute.
The Pak Army has imposed a curfew across the Makran region, including Gwadar, for the past ten days. Internet and network services remain largely shut down, and many highways are blocked, leading to severe shortages of food and medicine. Additionally, Gwadar’s water supply has been cut off.
In solidarity with Gwadar, sit-ins are also taking place in Quetta, Nushki, Panjgur, and Turbat, protesting the Army’s actions against Baloch Raaji Muchi.
Gwadar – Baloch Raaji Muchi
Tuesday marked the ninth day of the Gwadar sit-in protest, highlighting the Baloch people’s dedication and resilience in their fight against Pak Army brutality and for their rights. The Baloch National Gathering has become a symbol of unity among the Baloch nation. Despite facing severe repression—including killings, injuries, threats, arrests, and violence—the Baloch remain steadfast in their quest for justice.
In response to the state’s oppressive measures, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has organized additional sit-ins in Turbat, Panjgur, Quetta, and Nushki. These protests amplify the collective voice of the Baloch people and draw greater attention to their cause.
As each day unfolds, the persistent presence of protesters at the sit-in reflects their unwavering spirit and determination. The resilience of the Baloch people stands as a powerful testament to their enduring commitment to justice and a call for global solidarity in support of human rights and dignity.
In a harrowing incident in Sindh, Rinkle Kumari, a Hindu girl, was abducted, subjected to gang rape, forcibly converted to Islam, and married off to her abductor. This case starkly illustrates the troubling increase in such violent acts, exacerbated by a radicalized mindset and insufficient protection from the political, religious, and judicial systems in Pakistan.
This incident follows a similar case reported last week in Umarkot, Sindh, where a minor Hindu girl was abducted, converted, and married to an adult Muslim man.
This is a disturbing pattern of violence against minority girls in Pakistan. The incident is part of a broader trend of abductions and forced conversions that have been increasingly reported in recent years.
This case sheds light on the severe and ongoing struggles faced by Hindu girls and other minority communities, who experience profound physical and psychological trauma as a result of these attacks. The inadequate response from authorities and systemic issues in addressing these crimes have left many victims without justice and protection.
Traders have blocked the CPEC Road in a protest demanding that authorities comply with a recent Gilgit-Baltistan High Court ruling. The ongoing demonstration, led by traders from the Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) region involved in cross-border trade through the Sost Dry Port, reflects discontent over heavy taxation and restrictions on trade activities.
Traders have blocked the CPEC Road and announced that future protests will also take place on this route. Their sole demand is for the authorities to comply with the directive issued by the Gilgit-Baltistan High Court.
Traders are being barred from conducting cross-border trade and accessing resources from their lands, despite Sost Port being free of smuggling activities. The authorities are not honoring a court order that exempted them from certain taxes. “Sost Port is the only border in the country without smuggling, yet we are being denied the court’s directive that spared us from all taxes,” said a leader. “Our people have long struggled with these issues, and it is unjust to impose these burdens.”
The border trade between Pakistan and China has been halted due to the protests, which call for an end to tax collection in line with the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court’s ruling. Traders say that the current situation unfairly impedes their trade and employment opportunities.
Farmers in Charsadda and surrounding districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have voiced strong opposition to proposed hydropower projects by the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO). The farmers say that these projects, planned to be built on irrigation canals, would severely damage their livelihoods and disrupt the region’s irrigation system.
During a recent meeting, local farmers released a statement declaring their intent to resist the hydropower projects “tooth and nail.” They warned that the initiatives would devastate the irrigation infrastructure crucial to the province’s agriculture, leading to significant losses for local growers.
The Mazdoor Kissan Party (MKP), which organized the meeting, brought together farmers from Charsadda, Mardan, Kohat, Malakand, and Bannu to discuss the potential impact of the projects. Shamas Khan, vice-president of the MKP, criticized the planned projects as “economic murder” of the province’s agricultural community. He emphasized that agriculture contributes 22 percent to Pakistan’s GDP and relies heavily on canal-based irrigation systems.
Farmers expressed concerns that the hydropower projects were being advanced without proper consultation with agricultural and irrigation departments, which would be directly affected. In response, the MKP has announced plans to stage a sit-in protest against both the provincial government and the international bank funding the projects.
As the fifth ‘death anniversary’ of Articles 370 and 35 [a] of the Indian Constitution comes and goes, debate on the decision of the Government of India to abrogate these articles gets ignited once again with some endorsing and others condemning this move.
Those who support this decision are citing the numerous positives of this path breaking decision with specific mention of how this development has enabled promulgation of various people oriented initiatives and schemes in both J&K as well as Ladakh. It has also ushered-in social justice by removal of gender biased antiquated laws.
They also mention the fact that with removal of erstwhile J&K’s ‘special status’, complete integration of India in which all citizens are equals [as envisioned in the Indian Constitution] has finally been achieved. They also maintain that by taking this momentous decision, New Delhi has wrecked Pakistan’s contrived Kashmir narrative that India was using the special status bait as an inducement to beguile the people of J&K.
However, naysayers emphatically denounce abrogation of Articles 35[a] as a “breach of trust” between the erstwhile state of J&K and the center without even elaborating, leave alone substantiating, this claim. This contention conveys an impression that accession of the former kingdom of J&K with the Union of India was conditional, which is completely untrue and grossly misleading.
The fact of the matter is that the then ruler of J&K had signed the instrument of accession in India’s favour without any preconditions. Islamabad may complain that he was under pressure at that time due to the tribal incursion, but since this false flag operation [codenamed Operation Gulmarg] was entirely planned and executed by the Pakistan Army, why blame the Maharaja or accuse New Delhi of arm-twisting him into acceding to India?
This camp also points out that not only has abrogation of Articles 370 and 35[a] failed to end militancy in J&K, but it has also led to emergence of several other armed groups like The Resistance Front [TRF], People’s Anti-Fascist Force [PAFF], Joint Kashmir Front [JKF] and Kashmir Ghaznavi Force [KGF]. While it’s a fact that some such groups have since emerged, however, to suggest that this development is due to abrogation of Article 370 is a blatant lie and referring to these uncouth terrorists as “militants” is the height of euphemism!
Article 370’s Abrogation
There’s no denying that after the abrogation of Article 370, separatists lost their ability to orchestrate large anti-India protests at the drop of the hat. Simultaneously, terrorist activities in the Kashmir Valley have also shown a perceptible decline. Most importantly, both the UN and international community refused to entertain Pakistan’s laughable stance that abrogation of Article 370 violates UNSC resolutions on Kashmir.
All these developments forced Pakistan Army’s spy agency Inter Services Intelligence [ISI], which controls terrorism in J&K to make changes in its strategy.
So, in a desperate attempt to give the world an impression that the people of Kashmir are up in arms against Article 370 abrogation, ISI has tasked its assets in J&K to undertake terrorist attacks, the responsibility of which is immediately taken by ghost groups like TRF and PAFF. However, as these groups have been targeting members of Kashmir’s minority community and migrant workers who have nothing to do with Article 370 abrogation, it’s abundantly evident that their aim is merely to create mayhem so as to disprove New Delhi’s claim of normalcy returning to Kashmir.
Pakistan’s enduring obsession with Kashmir is evident from the fact that it has launched two full scale military operations [in 1947 and 1965] to seize this region. Despite the failure to achieve this objective, the Pakistan Army didn’t give up its Kashmir dream and in 1999, ended up not only humiliating itself yet once again in the Kargil War besides suffering the ignominy of leaving behind the mortal remains of its dead soldiers.
The Ongoing Debate
The Pakistan Army sees the Kashmir issue as the “unfinished agenda of partition” and its inability to resolve the same militarily takes the sheen off Rawalpindi’s rhetoric on the superhuman prowess of its Army. In fact, for the Pakistan Army, J&K remains a stark reminder of its helplessness in accomplishing the nation’s objective, and so to save face it is content waging a proxy war in J&K.
So, only an imbecile would believe that terrorist activities being claimed by shadow groups are a manifestation of public opposition to abrogation of Article 370. That abrogation of Articles 370 and 35 [a] are non-issues for locals is evident from the positive feedback from both foreign and domestic tourists. Moreover, with the third G20 Tourism Working Group meeting that was held in Srinagar in May 2023 going off peacefully, to claim that there is unrest in Kashmir is nothing but a figment of imagination.
While playing politics over the Article 370 abrogation issue may be an irresistible and expedient proposition for certain politicians, but spreading disinformation just to stoke public discontent against this decision for self-serving interests is doing disservice to the people of J&K who have endured more than three decades of barefaced terrorism. The beleaguered terrorism-weary people of J&K most certainly deserve a break!
Let’s not forget that Article 370 was included as a ‘Temporary provision’ in the Indian Constitution,and with theJ&K Constituent Assembly’s 1956 declaration that that “Jammu and Kashmir is and shall be an integral part of the Union of India,” Article 370 that provided ‘special status’ to J&K became redundant.
Nevertheless, this provision continued to exist and ended up creating disparity within the rights and privileges due to citizens of India, which goes against the basic tenets of democracy. So, even though very late, it’s heartening that this anomaly has finally been rectified!
The Baloch National Movement (BNM) has organized protest demonstrations in the United Kingdom, Netherlands and South Korea to condemn Pak authorities for their suppression of a historic event in Gwadar, Pak-occupied-Balochistan. The event, known as the “Baloch National Rally / Baloch Raaji Muchi,” was marred by road closures, telephone service disruptions and internet blackouts.
In South Korea, the BNM chapter held a demonstration at City Spot Nampo Dong, showing solidarity with Baloch protesters who face severe repression. Protesters carried banners and chanted slogans condemning the Pak Army’s crackdown on the Baloch Raaji Muchi and broader human rights violations in POB. Speakers, including Hafsa Baloch, addressed the crowd in both Korean and English, highlighting the neglect of POB’s plight amid global conflicts like those in Palestine and Ukraine.
In the UK, the BNM chapter has announced a protest against Pakistan’s violent actions aimed at disrupting the peaceful Baloch Raji Muchi. At Trafalgar Square, London, this demonstration is part of a series of global protests called by BNM Chairman Dr. Naseem Baluch, with participation from all BNM chapters.
BNM Demands Action
Additionally, the BNM also held a protest in front of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, to highlight the genocide of Baloch people. The protest, took place at Carnegieplein 2, 2517 KJ Den Haag, aims to draw international attention to the injustices and atrocities faced by the Baloch nation.
Hafsa Baloch criticized the international community’s lack of attention to the severe human rights abuses by Pakistan forces. She cited recent incidents, including a violent crackdown on a peaceful protest in Gwadar on July 28, resulting in deaths and injuries, and the shooting of protesters in Nushkai on July 2. The repression has intensified, with numerous arrests and detentions of Baloch activists.
The BNM South Korea chapter has called on global leaders and human rights organizations to intervene, urging the international community to address the ongoing violence and support the Baloch struggle for peace and dignity.
In recent days, violent unrest has spread across several towns and cities in Britain. The violence that has been ongoing for several days across the country shows no signs of stopping. Protesters have caused chaos in many cities and engaged in violent clashes with the police. Bricks and fireworks were thrown in several places, and hotels and shops were attacked. Meanwhile, the government has warned that the violence will be dealt with strictly.
Few days ago, an attacker killed three girls with a knife at a dance class in Southport. Eight other people were injured during the incident. Violent protests have erupted since this event. It is being circulated online that the attacker was of Rwandan origin and was seeking asylum in Britain. The Southport attacker was an immigrant Muslim who entered Britain illegally. This has led to a wave of protests against immigrants. The police have arrested 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, who was born in Wales, in connection with the case.
PM – Rioters will regret it
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that there is no doubt that those involved in this violence will face the full force of the law. The police will arrest them. They will be taken into custody and punished. “I guarantee that you will regret being directly involved in this unrest. Those who incite violence online and then flee will also regret it. This is not a protest but organized violent thuggery. It has no place on the streets of Britain or on online platforms”.
Amid the increasing violence across the country, PM Starmer called a high-level meeting on Saturday. Following the meeting, he issued orders in support of the police, instructing them to use all appropriate measures to control the violence. The PM has given the police a free hand to bring the violence under control.
The British Prime Minister has said that those attacking the police, disrupting local businesses, and trying to spread fear and hatred within communities will face strict action. The British PM stated that the right to freedom of expression and the violent disorder we have witnessed are two very different things.
Last month, a new Labour Party government led by PM Keir Starmer was formed in Britain, and since then, there have been several incidents of violence on the streets of Britain. Strict action has been called for against those inciting violence.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and left the country on Monday, as more people were killed in some of the worst violence since the birth of the South Asian nation more than five decades ago.
Amid escalating nationwide violence, Bangladeshi Prime Minister has departed Dhaka in a military helicopter, local media reported on Monday.
Hasina left her official residence, Bangabhaban, at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time. Reports suggest she is heading to West Bengal, India, although this has not been officially confirmed. The helicopter also carried Sheikh Rehana, Hasina’s younger sister.
The evacuation followed a significant escalation in unrest. The protesters breached the gates of Gono Bhaban, Hasina’s official residence, around 3 p.m. Thousands of demonstrators had gathered for the Anti-Discrimination Students’ Movement’s “March to Dhaka” at Mirpur 10 roundabout before advancing towards Farmgate.
Tensions were further heightened by the involvement of Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, who was reportedly pushed back while attempting to address the situation, according to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The protests erupted following a demand from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement for the resignation of Prime Minister Hasina and her cabinet members. This demand was announced at a rally at Central Shaheed Minar on August 3 by Nahid Islam, a key organizer of the movement.
Sheikh Hasina Flees
Hasina had previously extended an offer to the agitating students to meet at Gono Bhaban to discuss their grievances and seek to end the violence surrounding quota reform protests. Despite her offer, the protests continued to intensify.
Today’s “March to Dhaka” was rescheduled from its initial date and has been marked by calls for nationwide participation. The anti-discrimination student movement has also initiated a non-cooperation campaign, urging citizens to withhold taxes and migrant workers to avoid remittances via banks.
The unrest has resulted in at least 93 fatalities and numerous injuries, with many sustaining bullet wounds. Violence has surged as ruling Awami League supporters clashed with anti-government protesters, further straining the situation.
The unrest is rooted in demands for reforms to the quota system, which reserves civil service positions for specific groups, including descendants of 1971 war veterans. Protests intensified after a new policy allocated government jobs to descendants of freedom fighters, leading to attacks on state television and police stations in Dhaka.
Bangladesh has announced a three-day shutdown of public and private offices, including banks, in response to the ongoing crisis. The situation remains volatile as both pro- and anti-government groups prepare for further confrontation.
The occupied- administration of Nagar district has filed another case against activist Yawar Abbas. District Commissioner Nagar seems to have unchecked authority, filing cases against individuals at will.
This new development follows an earlier case in which the judges dismissed the FIR filed by the District Commissioner as baseless, leading to Abbas’s release. In June, Yawar Abbas was sentenced to one month in Manawar Jail by the District Magistrate. The sentence is a response to Abbas’s social media posts, which have been critical of the Pak Army.
Official statements accuse Abbas of “inciting people” and “attempting to undermine the law and order situation” through his online activities. Notably, a recent Twitter post by Abbas compared the conditions in the POGB (Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan) region to those in Palestine.
Abbas has been an outspoken critic of the Pakistan Army’s “green tourism companies,” which is exploiting the region’s resources. His activism has spotlighted issues such as land grabbing and the exploitation of natural resources in POGB, a region historically plagued by neglect and underdevelopment.
This case highlights the ongoing struggle in POGB, where residents have long protested poor infrastructure and ignored grievances. Despite these challenges, the administration, puppet of the Punjabi Pak Army, continues to suppress dissent rather than address the region’s underlying issues.
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