The Balochistan Yakjehti Council has decided to resume its extended march against what it alleges is genocide by Pakistani forces in Balochistan. This decision follows the cancellation of a sit-in at Dera Gazi Khan on Monday night. According to Dawn, the Baloch Long March is now set to proceed towards Islamabad.
The march commenced from Turbat under the banner of the Baloch Yakjehti Council (BYC) and staged a sit-in in Dera Ghazi Khan after the arrest of several students and protesters for violating a local ban on gatherings.
In an attempt to convey that the long march was not targeting local authorities, the participants staged a sit-in at Pakistan Crossing, causing a traffic disruption. Although the police released all detainees, they did not withdraw the FIRs filed against them.
Mehrang Baloch, a political worker, claimed that, after other tactics failed, the authorities are now attempting to thwart the long march by obstructing all means of transport. The Official Account of the Baloch Yakjahti Committee, Kech, posted a video of Mehrang Baloch expressing concern over these efforts.
In the video, Mehrang Baloch emphasized the peaceful nature of their movement and warned that if the state did not cease its tactics, it would escalate the movement further. He stated that they would stage a sit-in at Dera Gazi Khan if denied transport and ensure wider participation in the protest.
The Baloch Yakjehti Council announced on X that the long march caravan would depart from Dera Gazi Khan Gadai on Tuesday morning, proceeding from Taunsa towards Islamabad. The committee called on Baloch people to join in large numbers to support the long march.
In an open letter to journalists, the Yakjehti Council highlighted the dire situation in Balochistan, where abductions and killings are rampant. They asserted that the Baloch nation had no choice but to resist these atrocities, leading to a united movement against state oppression.
Residents of Dera Gazi Khan actively participated in the march, which traversed Sangam Chowk, Gaddai Dera-Quetta Road, and other areas. Demonstrators left their homes to express solidarity with those participating in the extensive march.
Earlier in Turbat, Balochistan, the long march faced resistance as at least 20 participants, including women, were detained upon reaching Dera Ghazi Khan. The police claimed that participants resisted, resulting in the detention of several men and women, though the women were later released. The Baloch Yakjahti Committee posted on X about ongoing harassment and roadblocks by police during their dharna at DG Khan, Gadai Changi.
ASP City Rehmatullah Durrani informed protesters about the imposition of Section 144, prohibiting processions or rallies, a directive that participants defied. Legal proceedings under Section 144 have been initiated, with police warning of action against violators until December 19.