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The Baloch National Movement (BNM) organised a march and protest in the German city of Gottingen against the Pakistan Air Force's reported bombardment of civilian areas in Surab, Balochistan, and alleged continuing state repression in the region, according to a BNM report.
The demonstrators expressed solidarity with victims and their families and urged the international community to take immediate note of the reported situation. The BNM said protesters demanded an independent investigation into the incidents and accountability for those responsible. According to the BNM report, protesters also appealed to the European Union, the United Nations and international human rights institutions to respond to reports of civilian casualties and alleged rights violations in Balochistan. They called for an end to what they described as international silence and sought stronger measures to protect civilians and prevent further violence. Addressing the gathering, BNM Germany President Asghar Baloch described the repression of civilians as part of a decades-long pattern of abuses. He characterised Pakistan's approach to Balochistan as reflecting what he called a colonial mindset and said the region had faced prolonged state repression amid the Baloch struggle for freedom, the BNM reported. BNM Germany General Secretary Luqman Baloch alleged that recent Pakistan Air Force airstrikes in Surab and Kharan had killed more than 20 civilians, including women, children and elderly people. He also claimed that an ongoing media blackout in Balochistan was making independent verification of reports of violence difficult. The BNM report said Washma Baloch urged international institutions and human rights organisations to use available international mechanisms to prevent further violence and ensure civilian protection. Akbar Baloch spoke about the reported Surab incident and cases of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. He accused Pakistani authorities of systematic discrimination against the Baloch people and said the community continued its struggle for fundamental rights and freedom. He further alleged that Pakistan's policies amounted to genocide against the Baloch people and were aimed at suppressing their political struggle, according to the BNM report. (ANI)
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