VBMP hunger strike against forced deportations continues for 15 years

The long-running hunger strike camp against enforced disappearances in Pakistan-occupied Balochistan, organised by Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), has entered its 5,496th day. The camp in Quetta continues to draw attention to the issue of missing persons in the region.

Prominent personalities, including Aminullah Baloch and Alauddin Baloch from Nushki and Abrar Baloch, General Secretary of BSO Pajjar, visited the camp to express their solidarity with the families of the disappeared.

In a press statement, Mama Qadir Baloch, Vice Chairman of VBMP, highlighted the challenges faced by the Baloch people. He described the current situation in POB as one of occupation where legitimate sources of livelihood are becoming increasingly scarce and many are forced to resort to illegal activities to survive.

Mama Qadir Baloch criticised the current state of affairs where honest citizens are marginalised while corrupt individuals are in positions of power. He stressed the importance of peaceful struggle and sacrifice for national prosperity and future generations.

The VBMP chairman called on the people to fulfil their duties towards society and continue the fight against oppression through non-violent means. He described POB as a “land of martyrs” and praised those who have dedicated their lives to the cause of their people.

The hunger strike has now lasted 5,497 days, but remains one of the longest-running peaceful protests in the region and draws both national and international attention to the plight of the missing persons in POB.