A Baloch rights activist and several others have been booked by the Quetta police for their alleged involvement in a protest against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings on May 18. The FIR against the activist has sparked widespread condemnation from journalists and activists, with many taking to social media to express their support and call for an end to state institutions' unfair treatment of peaceful Baloch. The lockdown of the Press Club on the day of the protest has been seen as a violation of press freedom and has even prompted a boycott of a session of the Balochistan Assembly by journalists.
Background
Balochistan, Pakistan's southwestern province, has been plagued by a longstanding pattern of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The victims, often political activists, students, and journalists, are abducted by security forces or unidentified assailants and held without due process or legal accountability.
The issue gained international attention in 2005, when the UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances reported over 1,000 cases in Balochistan. Despite promises from the government to end the practice, disappearances and killings have continued unabated.
Recent Events
On May 18, 2023, a protest was held in Quetta, Balochistan's capital, to mark the "Baloch Missing Persons Day." The demonstration was organized by the Baloch Human Rights Organization (BHRO) and other rights groups.
During the protest, the police arrested several activists, including Baloch rights activist Nasrullah Baloch. The police also raided the Quetta Press Club, where journalists were covering the event.
Alleged Police Involvement and Condemnation
An FIR (First Information Report) was registered against Nasrullah Baloch and other activists, accusing them of "sedition" and "inciting violence." The FIR sparked widespread condemnation from journalists, activists, and human rights organizations.
Many took to social media to express their support for the detained activists and call for an end to the state's unfair treatment of peaceful Baloch dissenters. The lockdown of the Press Club on the day of the protest was seen as a violation of press freedom.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Why are enforced disappearances happening in Balochistan?
The reasons for enforced disappearances are complex, but they often involve government attempts to suppress political dissent and maintain control in a volatile region.
2. Who is responsible for the disappearances?
Security forces and unidentified assailants have been implicated in the disappearances. However, the government has denied responsibility, despite evidence to the contrary.
3. What is the government's response to the issue?
The government has repeatedly promised to end enforced disappearances, but these promises have not been fulfilled. In some cases, the government has even been implicated in the cover-up of disappearances.
4. What is the impact of enforced disappearances on Balochistan?
Enforced disappearances have created a climate of fear and uncertainty in Balochistan. They have also eroded public trust in the government and the security forces.
5. What can be done to address the issue?
The international community, human rights organizations, and the Pakistani government must work together to end enforced disappearances in Balochistan. This includes holding perpetrators accountable, providing reparations to victims, and implementing measures to prevent future disappearances.
Amidst the ongoing controversy over the assault of a shopkeeper by MNS workers, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde caused a stir with his concluding speech at an event in Pune, where he raised the slogans "Jai Gujarat" and "Jai Maharashtra". While the opposition accused Shinde of being "greedy for power", CM Devendra Fadnavis defended him, stating that it was a customary practice to hail the state where an event is being held. The incident adds fuel to the ongoing debate on Marathi language and pride, ahead of the civic elections in Maharashtra.
At a recent political event, Indian Union minister Amit Shah addressed the crowd in Gujarati language, highlighting the importance of connecting with regional languages in India. Maharashtra politician Eknath Shinde also addressed the gathering, exclaiming "Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra, Jai Gujarat." The event served as a platform for politicians to express their opinions and connect with their audiences in regional languages, showcasing the diverse cultural and linguistic landscape of the country.
In an effort to prevent the division of secular votes and counter communal forces, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has expressed its willingness to join the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar ahead of the 2025 assembly elections. The party's letter to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav highlights their intention and also mentions previous failed attempts. The party has also conveyed this to other senior leaders of RJD, including Tejashwi Yadav, with the hope to “contest the Bihar assembly elections together."
On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of revered Jain spiritual leader Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the inaugural ceremony of the year-long centenary celebrations. In his speech, PM Modi highlighted the eternal nature of Indian civilization and praised Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj as a symbol of this timeless philosophy. The event served as a reminder of the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of India.
The Indian Prime Minister, currently on a five-nation tour, took to social media to pay homage to Swami Vivekananda on the revered monk's death anniversary. PM Modi highlighted Swami Vivekananda's enduring influence on Indian society and his emphasis on serving others and embracing India's rich heritage. Even after a century since his passing, Swami Vivekananda's teachings continue to inspire generations, promoting unity and compassion in a divided world.
In the midst of a controversial video surfacing showing a shopkeeper being assaulted for not speaking Marathi, Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam spoke out in defense of the state's official language and condemned acts of vigilantism. The incident has sparked a larger debate over linguistic identity and regional pride in Maharashtra. While emphasizing the importance of cultural and linguistic respect, Kadam also denounced the manner in which the situation escalated and called for individuals to not take the law into their own hands. A police investigation is currently ongoing.
Karnataka, known for its thriving tech industry, is proposing a bill that aims to address the spread of fake news and misinformation online. However, free speech activists are raising concerns about potential censorship and selective enforcement. The bill has not yet defined what constitutes as "fake news" or "anti-feminist" content, raising fears of potential misuse. The state government has stated that the bill will be open for public opinion before implementation.
Pope Leo XIV took time out of his busy schedule to visit children at the Vatican's summer camp and share some inspirational words. He emphasized themes of diversity, acceptance, and building bridges of friendship. The pontiff also encouraged the children to be advocates for peace and to see everyone as equals.
At the Saryu Jayanti Mahotsav in Ayodhya, CM Yogi Adityanath announced a plan to revive rivers by preventing sewage, drain discharge, and animal waste. He stressed the importance of rivers for the environment and agriculture and highlighted the economic benefits of clean rivers for tourism and local economies. The CM urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of this initiative, emphasizing the link between river health and the well-being of communities.
The cyber crime division of Bengaluru South has registered a case against Ateeq Shariff and the administrator of 'Mangalore Muslims' for posting derogatory content against one of the judges of the Karnataka High Court hearing the hijab case. The judge in question is part of a three-judge bench formed after Muslim girls were denied entry to college for wearing hijab. This comes amidst tension and communal strife over the government order banning certain clothing on educational campuses.