Unidentified assailants set missing persons camp on fire near Quetta Press club

QUETTA: Unidentified individuals set fire to the main camp of the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) near Quetta Press Club on Wednesday, damaging three sides of the camp in the process.

Fortunately, no one was inside at the time of the incident, which occurred late at night. This is the third time the camp has been targeted, with previous incidents causing minimal damage. However, the latest fire destroyed the tent.

The VBMP camp, established years ago on Adalat Road, has been a powerful symbol of protest against enforced disappearances in Balochistan, with an impressive record of over 5,600 days of continuous activism. Mama Qadeer Baloch, Vice Chairman of VBMP, remains resolute, stating that these tactics will not intimidate them into abandoning their peaceful struggle for the recovery of missing persons.

Since its inception, VBMP has been a vocal advocate against enforced disappearances, particularly of students, political activists, and civilians.

The organization has even staged a long march from Karachi to Islamabad by foot to raise awareness about this critical issue ¹. Mama Qadeer demanded that police arrest those responsible for the arson attack, and officials have assured that a case will be registered and CCTV footage reviewed as part of the investigation.

A National Party delegation, led by Balochistan President Aslam Baloch, visited the site to express solidarity with Mama Qadeer and condemn the camp burning as an absurd act against a lawful protest.

National Party leaders also highlighted recent incidents, such as the toppling of Nawab Akbar Bugti’s statue in Panjgur and the desecration of graves, as part of an ongoing state policy against Baloch people.