Paris [France], November 18 (ANI): The protest camp established by the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) has reached 6,000 days, representing over sixteen years of ongoing demonstrations by families of those forcibly disappeared in Balochistan, Baloch National Movement Chairman Naseem Baluch noted in a post on X.
Baluch described the prolonged sit-in as one of the most resilient protest movements globally, yet largely ignored by the Pakistani government. He emphasized that the camp has become a symbol of bravery, perseverance, and the unwavering determination of families seeking their missing relatives. Leading the campaign is Mama Qadeer Baloch, VBMP vice chairman, whose name is closely associated with the advocacy for the safe return of missing Baloch individuals. Baluch added that although Mama Qadeer is currently unwell and resting at home, his moral guidance continues to inspire the movement.
The demonstration began in Quetta in 2009 after Mama Qadeer’s son, Jaleel Reki, was taken by security forces, went missing, and was later found dead. Baluch noted that instead of succumbing to grief, Mama Qadeer transformed his personal tragedy into a broader mission to support every family searching for disappeared members.
Over the years, the VBMP camp has relocated to Quetta, Karachi, and Islamabad, enduring harsh weather, threats, and political challenges, yet it has never shut down. A landmark moment in the movement was the long march led by Mama Qadeer, joined by families including Sammi Deen, Farzana Majeed, and Ali Haidar. They trekked over 2,000 kilometres from Quetta to Karachi and then Islamabad, carrying pictures of their missing loved ones—a demonstration widely regarded as a global emblem of peaceful resistance, although authorities failed to respond upon their arrival in the federal capital.
Marking the milestone of 6,000 days, Baluch stated that the VBMP camp embodies the enduring quest for truth and justice. Even as Mama Qadeer’s health declines, the movement continues with steadfast resolve and will persist as long as enforced disappearances continue in Balochistan.
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