LARKANA: Members of the Quetta-Islamabad long march for the cause of ‘missing’ Baloch persons have extended their stay in Larkana for a day.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) for them at the Jinnahbagh gate on Thursday, leader of the caravan Mama Qadeer Baloch said that despite all odds, their march to Islamabad would continue under the flag of the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP).

He said killing of Baloch activists and their relatives were still going on as the victims mutilated bodies were found every day.

He disclosed that he had been attacked on way to Larkana, and renewed his resolve to continue the march despite such attempts which, he said, could not stop him from raising the voice of the oppressed.

He appealed to the United Nations and its allied organisations for taking the notice of what he called ‘injustices’ with Baloch people.

“We have overcome the fear as nothing worst could happen after killing of our sons and close relatives,” he said. He also asked human rights bodies and other such organisations in the country to help safe recovery of those who were still missing but alive.

“The campaign will not come to a halt till the recovery of the last missing Baloch,” he resolved.

Speaking to the audience, Farzana Baloch said her brother Dr Zakir Saeed had been missing for four years and she was subjected to threats when she decided to raise her voice against injustices.

She said she was encouraged by the presence of JSQM women workers at the welcome reception. She recounted the struggle of Bashir Khan Qureshi, the slain JSQM chairman, and referred to his (Qureshi’s) visits to Balochistan.

Maheen Baloch read out poetry in Balochi language on the strong will of a Baloch girl to fight for the rights of her community. Her presentation charged the gathering.

Nayab Sarkash, a Sindhi poet, also shared her poetry on nationalism.

JSQM Larkana district president Mumtaz Shaikh, Sheeba Mughal, Nasrullah Abro, Jamil Gaad and others also spoke.