Sunday 30 January 2011

Hyrbyair Marri wins his asylum appeal; I will meet the Diaspora to unite them for Baloch cause: Marri


LONDON: Britain has granted political asylum to Baluch leader Nawabzada Hyrbyair Marri, tacitly acknowledging that the life of fiery Baluch nationalist leader was at risk if returned to Pakistan.

Hyrbyair Marri, one of six sons of veteran Baloch leader Nawab Khair Baksh Marri, had applied for political asylum in Britain four months ago. He had entered Britain in 2000 after sneaking out of Pakistan where he was being sought by Pakistani spy agencies on various charges.

Initially Mr Marri’s asylum claim was turned down by the Home Office and stated in the refusal letter that Hyrbyair’s life will be safe in Pakistan as his father still lived in Karachi and didn’t face harassment from the state authorities. Hyrbyair took his case to the asylum and immigration tribunal where his lawyer successfully argued that not only Hyrbyair’s elder brother Balach Marri was assassinated by Pakistani secret services but also Mr Marri himself has not stepped inside Balochistan in 10 years.

The immigration judge was told that from former president Pervez Musharraf to the interior minister Rehman Malik had personally threatened and warned Hyrbyair of the repercussions for his 'what they called' anti-Pakistan activities. The defence argued that the continuing heavy-handed military operation in areas populated by the Bugtis and Marris, coupled with the ever-deteriorating law and situation in the country rendered Hyrbyair at the potential risk and law enforcement agencies could easily take him out.

Sources confirmed that, senior PPP government officials, including the foreign office, contacted the Home Office (in the UK) and assured them that Hyrbyair will be provided safety and security if returned and further assured the former Baluchistan assembly lawmaker-turned-rebel was only exaggerating threat to his life. Hyrbyair’s lawyers were successful in convincing the judge that the current civilian government was not only helpless in matters related to Baluchistan but it was also impotent in security matters concerning rest of the country as its writ was absent in even urban areas. In his evidence before the judge, Hyrbyair also criticised the British government for deliberately creating problems for him and his family on behest of the Pakistani government.

The judge acknowledged that Hyrbyair Marri was a high profile figure who had annoyed the establishment by taking a stance on Baluchistan issue not sanctioned by the security establishment.

Hyrbyair was arrested alongside a young Baluch rights campaigner Faiz Baluch on December, 4, 2007. They were charged on charges of inciting others to commit murder abroad. Mr Marri spent 4 months in jail whereas Faiz Baluch was detained for 8 months. After a lengthy trail of over 40 days the duo were acquitted by an ordinary British Jury of 12 men and women. Faiz Baluch, who applied for political asylum in 2002, his case, is still in a limbo and the young campaigner remains clueless about his fate in Britain.

Speaking to media sources, Hyrbyair referred to his first exoneration on terrorism charges, brought on the special request of Pervez Musharraf, said that being granted asylum was nothing to be celebrated about.

“It pains me more that I am not with my people who are standing steadfast against the state onslaught. I am glad though that I have been exonerated for the second time, not by the British government but by the British courts. The British government knows there are serious problems in Balochistan but doesn’t have the courage to stand up to Pakistan. The neutral immigration court has given its verdict in my favour by acknowledging the fact the meltdown in Baluchistan is for real and that life has been made difficult for those who seek independence. I knew that British justice system will not let me and the people of Baluchistan down. These are independent courts, free of political influence.”

He said that now when he is able to travel, he will meet the Baluch Diaspora across the world and will galvanise and unite them for the Baluch struggle for justice and Independence.

Peter Tatchell has been at the forefront of campaigning for the release of Hyrbyair Marri from the detention in Belmarsh prison. He expressed his joy that Mr Marri was granted asylum in Britain, albeit with a lot of delay.

“This decision to grant Hyrbyair asylum is very significant. It is an acknowledgement by the British government that human rights abuses in Baluchistan are so widespread and grave that Mr Marri cannot return their safely. This ruling is a damning indictment of the severe political repression that exists in Pakistan.

The human rights advocate added: “It is further evidence that Baluch people who want the right of self determination are at risk of imprisonment torture and assassination by the Pakistani military and intelligence agencies.

Sunday 23 January 2011

Another young member of BSO-azaad killed by Pakistan security forces


Occupied Balochistan: The dead body of a regional president of Baloch Students Organization (BSO-Azad) activist was recovered from Aktharbad, in the outskirts of Quetta on Saturday, police said.

Unidentified people informed Shalkot police station that found body near Sardar Karez in Aktharabad area. Police rushed to the site and moved the body to Bolan Medical Complex Hospital for autopsy where he was identified as Ali Jan Kurd, a resident of Machh. Ali Jan Kurd was president of BSO-A Machh Zone.

Police sources said that there were wounds on the head of victim and torture marks on his body. Police handed over the body to heirs after completing legal formalities.

Family sources said that Ali Jan Kurd was picked up near Sibbi on November 23, 2010 and held government agencies responsible for his brutal killing.

Previously the Pakistan intelligence abducted and killed Ali Sher Kurd a cousin of Ali Jan andMumtaz Kurd who according some sources was the brother of Young Ali Jan. BSO-azaad official website, Sagaar, reported that Ali Jan was only 18 year old and is the 4th teenage member of the Baloch Student Organisation. (courtesy: Sagaar & The balochhal)

Tuesday 11 January 2011

UK Baloch Activists Staged A Protest Demonstration Against Human Rights Violations In Balochistan


London: A large number of Baloch and their friends have gathered at 10 Dawning Street, London to protest against continuation of Human Rights abuses in Baluchistan by Pakistan and Iran. The protesters demanded of the British government to stop supporting Pakistan as the country was committing atrocities in Balochistan and carrying out the genocide of Baloch Nation.

The fundamentalist states of Pakistan and Iran are presently engaged in a vicious competition in their policy of abduction, torture, hanging and under-custody killing of Baloch political and human rights activists. The aim of the protest was to highlight such atrocious actions of Iran and Pakistan and to bring the plight of the Baloch Nation to the attention of International community. The protest was part of our monthly “Save Balochistan Campaign” by International Voice for Baloch Missing Persons. Activists from South Azerbaijan Independence Party, CAMPACC and Al-Ahwaz Democratic Popular Front have also joined the protest to show their solidarity with the people of Balochistan.

Speaking from the occasion the Baloch activists said that both Pakistan and Iran are continuing their atrocities in Balochistan with impunity and the International Community and International Human Rights Organisation have failed to take notice of the arrests, disappearance, under-custody killings and executions of numerous Baloch civilian and political activists by these occupying states.

Describing the atrocities of Iran and Pakistan the Baloch activists said that Iran has executed at least six innocent Baloch (confirmed) in January 2011 and dozens have been arrested during raids from different town of Balochistan.

Pakistan also continues it “kill and dump policy” in Balochistan. The Pakistan military intelligences and Intelligence agencies killed at least 80 Baloch activists under-custody in the last six months of 2010. Year 2011 seems no different than the previous years as the state (Pakistan) continues to commit the genocide of Baloch nation.

On 3 January 2011 a member of Baloch student Organisation (azaad), Faraz Baloch was shot dead by Pakistan government agents in Karachi and seriously injured four of his friends. On the night of 4 January 2011 the dead body of Sardarzda Yousaf Langov Baloch was found in a cannel in Kirani area of Quetta. On 4 January 2011 three Baloch including father and brother of an abducted Baloch student Yasir Baloch have been arrested from Trubat on the same night.

On 5 January 2011 further two bodies of Baloch students were discovered from Turbat. The victims were identified as Chakar Qambar Baloch, a Central Committee Member of BSO-azaad, and Ilyas Nazar Baloch. Ilyas was a young journalist who was working for a Balochi language magazine Dhorant. The occupying states have been targeting and killing the most conscience and well-informed section of our society. On 6 January 2011 the body of Aazam Badini has been found in Noshki whereas on 8 January 2011 bodies of two Marri Baloch were discovered near panjgor town of Balochistan.

The International Voice for Baloch Missing Persons has urged the Baloch Diasporas to join the “Save Balochistan Campaign” by organising meetings and protests in the respective countries where they reside. The IVBMP also urged the Baloch to meet the representatives of different human rights organisations, MPs, MEPs and Human Rights Groups affiliated with the UN Human Rights Council to inform them about the plight of Baloch people.

http://www.bygwaah.com/modules/xnews/article.php?storyid=70

Monday 10 January 2011

Second day: Balochistan shuts down to protest student leaders’ killing


* Strike observed in several cities of province on Baloch National Front’s call 

Occupied Balochistan: A shutter down and wheel-jam strike was observed in many parts of Balochistan on Friday to protest against the killings of two Baloch student leaders, Qambar Chakar and Ilyas Nazar. The bullet-riddled bodies of the two students were found from Kech district on Wednesday.

The strike was also observed in Trubat, Mand, Tump, Khuzdar, Naal, Zehri, Naushki, Buleida, Gwadar, Pasni, Jiwani, Panjgur, Ormara, Dasht Plains, Hoshap, Kalat, Mashkay, Hub and Mastung in response to a call made by the Baloch National Front (BNF).

Most of the shopping and commercial centres remained closed for the day and the streets wore a deserted look with no traffic plying on the roads. There was very thin attendance in government offices in the absence of the public transport.

Women staged a protest rally in Turbat and marched through various parts of the city. They chanted slogans against the Frontier Corps, accusing them of killing the two Baloch students in illegal custody.

The protesters also burnt tyres on the Coastal Highway disrupting the flow of traffic.

Tough security measures were adopted during the strike to avoid any untoward incident. Personnel of the Frontier Corps and police patrolled the streets of Kech Valley — from Awaran to the border wih Iran. Unidentified people torched a private vehicle in Mastung.

According to a statement issued by the BNF on Friday, the strike will also be held today (Saturday).

Earlier, two bullet-riddled dead bodies of the student leaders were found in a deserted place near Pasni Road in Turbat, around 800 kilometres away from the provincial capital on Wednesday.

According to the Turbat police, local people spotted two bodies in Pidarak area, some 11-kilometres away from Turbat city, and informed the police. The dead bodies were taken to the Civil Hospital where they were identified as Qambar Chakar and Ilyas Nazar. (Courtesy: dailytimes)

Thursday 6 January 2011

Baloch in the UK to protest on Sunday against under-custody killings of Baloch activists by Iran and Pakistan



Date & time: Sunday 9 January 2011, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Venue: 10 Downing Street (opposite British PM’s official residence)
London, SW1A 2AA

Nearest Tube station: Westminster underground station


The fundamentalist states of Pakistan and Iran are presently engaged in a vicious competition in their policy of abduction, torture, hanging and under-custody killing of Baloch political and human rights activists. To highlight the plight of these victims the International Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (UK) and the Baloch Human Rights Council (UK) are jointly organising a protest demonstration in front of 10 Downing Street on Sunday 9 January 2011. This is part of our monthly “Save Balochistan Campaign” to protest against violation of human rights by the occupying military and security forces.

Both Pakistan and Iran are continuing their atrocities in Balochistan with impunity. So far the International Community and International Human Rights Organisation have failed to take notice of the arrests, disappearance, under-custody killings and executions of numerous Baloch civilian and political activists by these occupying states.

On 20 December 2010 Iran hanged 11 Baloch political prisoners. On 1 January 2011 they executed 4 more and on 3 January 2011 and yet another innocent Baloch youth was hanged. All these Baloch political prisoners were in their 20s and were hanged in a prison in Zahedan the capital city of Western occupied Balochistan.

Their names are as follows: Hanged on 20 December 2010: Abdolbasset Shahbakhsh s/o Allahdad, Abdolnasser Shahbakhsh s/o Allahdad, Abdolshakur Zangizahi s/o Hossain, Mohammad Saleh Islamzahi s/o Atta Mohammad, Nasser Shahbakhsh s/o Zaman, Lal Mohammad Shahbakhsh s/o Karim, Attaollah Rigi s/o Nazar Mohammad, Abdolrahman Naruvi s/o Khaleqdad, Abdolrauf Shahbakhsh s/o Shanbeh, Balanch Naruvi s/o Ali, and Ahmad Naruvi s/o Abdolkarim.
Hanged on 1 January 2011: Mahmud Brahovi alias Farhad s/o Nader, Jehanbakhsh Brahovi alias, Nurbakhsh s/o Nader, Shahram Naruvi alias Bibagr s/o Jalal, and Zahur Ahmad Asefdoust s/o Mohammad Sharif.
Hanged on 3 January 2011: Bahman Rigi

Similarly, Pakistan continues its “kill and dump policy” in Balochistan. On 28 December 2010 Pakistani security forces rounded up 93 Baloch from Killi Qambarani area of Quetta. On 31 December last year bullet riddled bodies of four disappeared Baloch were found in Turbat. The victims were named as Shoaib Baloch, Naimatullah Baloch and Attaullah Baloch. On 3 January 2011 a member of Baloch student Organisation (azaad), Faraz Baloch was shot dead by Pakistan government agents in Karachi and seriously injured four of his friends. On the night of 4 January 2011 the dead body of Sardarzda Yousaf Langov Baloch was found in a cannel in Kirani area of Quetta. On 4 January 2011 three Baloch including father and brother of an abducted Baloch student Yasir Baloch have been arrested from Trubat on the same night.

On 5 January 2011 further two bodies of Baloch students were discovered from Turbat. The victims were identified as Chakar Qambar Baloch, a Central Committee Member of BSO-azaad, and Ilyas Nazar Baloch. Ilyas was a young journalist who was working for a Balochi language magazine Dhorant. The occupying states have been targeting and killing the most conscience and well-informed section of our society.

We hereby request to all Baloch and Sindhi friends, Human rights Organisations, freedom loving individuals and other oppressed nations in the UK to join our protest on Sunday. By showing your solidarity you can help us to raise our voice against enforced disappearances, torture, executions and under-custody killings, and executions of our political and human rights activists by the states of Pakistan and Iran.

We also urge all Baloch individuals and Organisations in Europe, North America and Canada to join “Save Balochistan Campaign” by dedicating at least one day every month to protest against Human Rights Violation in Balochistan. This is not the time to be indifferent. The lives and well-being of our fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers and children may depend on our small action.

International Voice of Baloch Missing Persons (UK)
Visit our website: www.bygwaah.com
Contact us at: info@bygwaah.com


International Voice for Baloch Missing Persons is a non-profitable Human Rights Organisation striving against enforced-disappearance and other human rights violations in Balochistan by the state of Pakistan and Iran.

Pakistan continue Kill and dump policy in Balochistan, two students killed


Occupied Balochistan: The Pakistani Intelligence agencies has tortured to death another two innocent Baloch youth as part of their “kill and dump policy”. The severely tortured bodies of the Baloch youth were found in Pedarak area of Turbat on Tuesday Morning.

The victims were identified as Qambar Chakar Baloch, a central committee member of BSO-azaad and Ilyas Nazar Baloch, a young Baloch journalist of a Balochi language magazine.

Qambar Chakar Baloch 24 was Central Committee member of BSO AZAD and a student of Economics at Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITMS). Previously he had been abducted on July 10, 2009, from Quetta. But he was released without any charges on 22 April 2010. His relatives had complained that he had been subjected to severe torture and inhuman treatment during his imprisonment.

His freedom was, however, shot-lived as on November 26, 2010 he has been re-abducted from Shahi Tump Turbat along with his cousin Irshaad Nasir Baloch. This time he was not lucky enough to reunite with his family. The Pakistani security forces tortured him to death and dumped his body on a deserted road side in Turbat on 05/01/2010.

Ilyas Nazar 26 an MSC student from Balochistan University and member of BSO Azad in Shaal zone. He had been abducted by "Pakistani fascist forces" on December 22, 2010. Mohammad Ilyas Nazar, the young journalist was also affiliated with a Balochi language magazine Dhorant, was whisked away by the personnel of the security forces while he was returning home in a passenger coach. The officials stopped the bus at Badok locality near Pasni and asked the journalist to prove his identity.

Both of the young Baloch students were brutally tortured and it is assumed that they were tortured to death. There were several sign of bullet wounds on in the heads and rest of the body of the Baloch youth. Qambar chakar has been shot in the head several times and his right arm was broken from two places. The rest of his body also bore sings of extreme torture. Ilyas Nazar had six wounds in the back of his head and there were several marks of inhumane torture on his body too.

The angry activists of BSO-azaad took to street after hearing the shocking news of the death of their colleagues. The Baloch National Front (BNF) has call for a three day shutter down and wheel jam protest in Balochistan.

Wednesday 5 January 2011

Comrade Qambar Chaker Baloch is Martyred in prison

January 5, 2010. Qamber Chaker's dead body found today from Turbat. He was abducted by Pakistani fascist forces on November 26,2010 from Tump. Qambar Chaker was a Central Committee member of Baloch Student Organisation.