KARACHI, June 4: Baloch activists of different parties and NGOs staged a protest rally here on Sunday against the ongoing military operation in Balochistan and to press the government to release all those detained since the launching of the operation and refrain from violating human rights.

The protesters, who converged on the Karachi Press Club in different groups, were carrying banners and placards inscribed with anti-government slogans. Some of them were holding portraits of their detained and missing relatives.

Addressing the rally, Baloch leaders appealed to international human rights and other organisations to intervene and help stop the military operation in the province.

Chairman of the Baloch National Movement Ghulam Mohammad Baloch, Anwar Baloch, Imran Saqib, Zahid Barakzai and Abdul Wahab Baloch were among those who addressed the protesters.

Condemning the military operation, they said: “We protest against the use of our own armed force against the innocent Baloch civilians in that province.”

They also made it clear that Balochistan was the land of Baloch people and usurpers would not be allowed the exploit and take away its natural resources. “We will resist all such attempts,” they vowed, and warned the government against resorting to using brute force against civilians.

They said: “Our rulers have not learnt a lesson from the past history,” recalling that military adventurism and wrong policies had led to the dismemberment of the country. The deplored aerial bombardment on civilian areas, particularly those dominated by Bugti and Marri tribesmen.

Supporters of the National Party, Jamhoori Watan Party, Baloch National Movement , Baloch Unity Conference, Baloch Rights Council and other parties attended the rally. The rally was organised by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).

Among the family members of the detained or missing Baloch activists were Gohram Saleh and Ibrahim Saleh who, along with some other relatives, have been continuing their hunger strike outside the KPC for many days.