WUNRN
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal
PAKISTAN - ETHNIC HAZARA
WOMEN PROTEST VIOLENCE WITH BANGLES IN SYMBOLIC ACT FOR SHAME
April 03, 2012 - QUETTA, Pakistan -- In the face of what seems to be
increasing targeted killings, Hazara women in Pakistan's western Balochistan
Province are fighting back with a mix of guilt and tradition.
During a rally in the regional capital on April 2, dozens threw their bangles,
bracelet-like traditional ornaments connected closely with a woman's honor, at
the gates of the government building.
It was a simple act, but one that was highly symbolic of the shame they feel
toward the government in Quetta and its inability to protect them.
The women, clad in traditional dress, condemned the authorities' inaction when
it comes to attacks on Hazaras.
The organizer of the protest, the Hazara Democratic Party, says members of the
Shi'ite minority have been increasingly subjected to targeted killings in the
past decade.
Dozens of Hazaras have been killed in attacks attributed to extremist groups,
including Lashkar-e Jangi and local Taliban militants. In late March, five
Hazaras were killed in the outskirts of Quetta.
Nazanin Zaman, leader of the party's women's wing, said officials and law
enforcement agencies have failed to address the issue.
"People are being killed in large numbers but no action is being
taken," Zaman said.
The women demanded the authorities take measures to stop sectarian killings and
to provide security for Hazaras.
Balochistan is home to some 100,000 Hazaras, many of them impoverished
laborers.
Written by Farangis
Najibullah, based on reporting by RFE/RL Radio Mashaal correspondent Khudai
Noor Naser in Quetta