A series of coordinated protests will be organised by the Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) across multiple cities in Europe on Wednesday, May 28, the 27th anniversary of Pakistan’s nuclear tests.
The demonstrations are aimed at seeking international recognition of the long-lasting human, environmental, and health impacts of these nuclear detonations carried out in Balaochistan’s Chagai district in 1998
‘Free’ Balochistan protests in Europe
The protests have been called in memory of “Baloch victims of Pakistani nukes”.
A demonstration will be held right outside the official residence of the UK Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street. This will take place from 3 PM to 5 PM (local time).
An FBM UK spokesperson has termed this day as a “dark chapter” in Balochistan’s history. The official added that people in the region have faced major consequences of Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions over the past 27 years, including cancer, environmental destruction and others.
“The world must not ignore this ongoing catastrophe,” the official stated.
Besides the UK, another protest will take place at Hamburg Central Station in Germany from 2 PM to 4 PM (local time).
In Finland, a march is scheduled starting from the Parliament (Eduskunta) to Citizen Square in Helsinki. This will be from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM (local time).
A fourth one will be at the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands from 1 PM to 2 PM
Abdul Latif, who belonged to the Baloch community and has worked with organisations like Daily Intikhab and Aaj News, was allegedly murdered in front of his wife and children by unidentified gunmen on Saturday, according to Baloch Yakjehti Committee.
This happened after the journalist, famous for his reporting on human rights violations, resisted an abduction bid, NDTV reported.
Latif was shot dead when the attackers entered his house and were trying to kidnap him, a senior police official said.
As of now, no arrests have been made in the matter, while local police claim the investigation is underway.
This comes months after Latif’s eldest son, Saif Baloch, and seven other family members were kidnapped in the region and their bodies were discovered later by the authorities.
Baloch Yakjehti Committee said it was “not just a tragedy” but rather an “act of terror meant to silence an entire” population.
ISIS helping Pakistan’s ISI to threaten activists in Balochistan?
Islamic State (ISIS) terror cells are believed to be threatening activists and civilians in Balochistan. In recent times, the terror group announced a war against militant groups in the regions, such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front, according to Firstpost.
On the condition of anonymity, a Baloch rights activist told the news outlet that the terror group is taking on Baloch civilians and political protesters.
It has been claimed that a 117-page booklet has been issued claiming that the activists in the region are against “the rules of Islam”.
Earlier this month, Baloch nationalist leaders and activists, including Mir Yar Baloch, declared independence from Pakistan after facing decades of violence, enforced disappearances as well as human rights violations.
On social media, several users shared photographs of a proposed national flag of Balochistan, while recognising it as the ‘Republic of Balochistan’