Frowning on the use of water cannons, tear gas and excessive force against the Baloch Long March protestors in Islamabad on Thursday, Amnesty International has said that it was ‘deeply concerned’ over the crackdown.
It reiterated its demand to release all the protesters and drop the charges against them.
“Amnesty has reviewed videos showing water cannons, tear gas and batons being used against the protestors. Dozens have been detained and several others injured, including women, minors and elderly persons, violating their rights to liberty, security and protest,” the Amnesty International South Asia, Regional Office said, taking to X.
“Amnesty International reiterates its demands that the Government of Pakistan – Immediately release all protestors, and drop any charges brought against them for solely exercising their right to freedom of expression and right to protest,” it added.
Amnesty also called for an impartial investigation of all extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
Taking to X, it posted, “Conduct an impartial investigation of all extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, particularly in Balochistan, in line with international standards. Compensate families of victims of extrajudicial killings and those forcibly disappeared.”
Meanwhile, the Official Account of Baloch Yakjahti Committee-Kech posted a video on X, that showed scenes from Barkhan Rukni where the Baloch people have blocked the main highway of Punjab to Balochistan against ‘state terrorism’ in Islamabad.
“All the highways of Balochistan will be closed while the movement against state terrorism and Baloch genocide will be started in Balochistan from today,” the council said.
“Let the state remember that they have not only tortured a few people, but they have declared war against the Baloch nation. By attacking Baloch mothers and sisters, the state has made it clear to the Baloch nation that the state considers Balochistan as its colony and does not consider the people here as human beings,” the Baloch Yakjahti Committee said in a post on X.
