Dr Mahrang Baloch Among 150 Individuals Charged with Terrorism and Incitement

 Dr Mahrang Baloch Among 150 Individuals Charged with Terrorism and Incitement

In a significant development, Dr Mahrang Baloch, a key figure in the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), has been named among 150 individuals facing serious charges, including terrorism, incitement to rebellion, and murder. This comes as part of a broader crackdown on activists and political figures in Balochistan.

Serious Charges Filed

A First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at the Saryab Police Station on Saturday, listing prominent names such as Beebow Baloch, Gulzadi Satakzai, Sabiha Baloch, Sabatullah Baloch, Gulzar Dost, Riaz Gashkori, and Dr Shali Baloch among the accused. The charges against them include violations of Sections 7 and 11W of the Anti-Terrorism Act, alongside 16 sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.

These allegations span across multiple serious offences, including terrorism, murder, attempted murder, incitement to violence and rebellion, creating disorder, promoting racial hatred, and damaging property. The gravity of these charges signals an intensification of the state's efforts against activists associated with the Baloch movement.

Mahrang Baloch’s Arrest and Charges

Dr Mahrang Baloch, along with 17 others, was arrested and is currently being held at Quetta District Jail under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. The case accuses her and the BYC leadership of aiding rioters in attacking police officers, civilians, and their own protesting colleagues. The FIR claims these actions resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to 15 police officers.

Allegations of Hospital Attack and Other Incidents

In addition to these charges, the BYC leadership faces accusations of orchestrating an attack on the Civil Hospital in Quetta. According to an FIR lodged at the Civil Lines Police Station, 100 to 150 individuals stormed the hospital, allegedly seizing the bodies of attackers involved in the Jaffer Express train bombing.

Another FIR states that a private ambulance was stopped at Hockey Chowk, where the driver was assaulted, and the bodies were forcibly taken. Furthermore, another case at the Brewery Police Station in Quetta accuses BYC leaders of blocking the Western Bypass Road while chanting slogans against the state and its institutions.

Escalating Protests and Government Crackdown

Under Dr Mahrang Baloch’s leadership, protests erupted as demonstrators staged a sit-in on Saryab Road. This led to a police crackdown, resulting in multiple arrests, including Mahrang herself. Although her arrest has not been officially disclosed, reports indicate that she remains in Quetta District Jail.

In response to these developments, widespread protests and strikes have paralyzed several parts of Balochistan. Cities such as Turbat, Hub, and Dalbadin witnessed complete shutdowns, with trade and business centres closed in Mastung, Kalat, Kharan, Chaghi, Panjgur, and other areas.

Growing Resistance Against the Arrests

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee continues to mobilize protests and rallies demanding the immediate release of arrested leaders and accountability for alleged police violence. In Dhadar, a protest rally saw participants voicing support for missing persons while calling for justice against state actions in Quetta.

As tensions continue to rise, the situation remains volatile, with security forces intensifying measures against demonstrators. The broader implications of these events on Balochistan’s political landscape remain to be seen, but for now, the resistance shows no signs of waning.