Expressing solidarity: Baloch marchers reach Gujar Khan

ISLAMABAD:

Civil society and political workers have decided to gather at different points in the twin cities to welcome the participants of the Voice of Missing Baloch long march as they approach their destination.

The long march participants, who left Quetta on foot to reach Islamabad over three months ago, hope to raise awareness about human rights violations in Balochistan and demand the recovery of missing relatives. The marchers intend to present their demands to the United Nations in Islamabad.

The long march caravan is expected to reach Rawalpindi through the Grand Trunk Road by Thursday. Along the way, in Punjab, the participants were constantly threatened that they would not be allowed to reach Rawalpindi through phone calls from unknown numbers.

Human rights organisations, writers and activists have planned seminars, protest camps and demonstrations to highlight the Baloch missing persons’ issue in the days following the arrival of the VBMP long march.

The Awami Workers Party (AWP) and civil society members have made arrangements to welcome the marching Baloch to the twin cities.

In a statement, the AWP expressed solidarity with the cause of the VBMP and said all missing persons must be produced in a court of law and the law should take its course.

The AWP also condemned the silence of elected representatives on enforced disappearances in Balochistan, especially given the threats to the security of the participants of the peaceful long march, who are only exercising their democratic right.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 26^th, 2014.