Tensions have escalated in Quetta between two prominent factions advocating for the cause of missing persons in Balochistan—the Baloch Youth Council (BYC) led by Mahrang Baloch and the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) headed by Mama Qadeer.
The rivalry reached a boiling point this morning when the main camp of Mama Qadeer’s VBMP was set on fire, with the BYC being blamed for the attack.
The dispute between the two groups has been simmering for a while, primarily over who holds the legitimate platform to champion the cause of Baloch missing persons.
The BYC, led by Mahrang Baloch, is seen as more resourceful, with stronger ties to foreign lobbies and embassies, giving it a more significant presence on the international stage.
On the other hand, Mama Qadeer, a veteran activist, represents the older generation of Baloch rights campaigners.
His frustration stems from the rise of Mahrang Baloch and the BYC, which has stolen the limelight in recent years, overshadowing his long-standing struggle for the cause.
Mama Qadeer’s VBMP, which has been at the forefront of the missing persons issue for years, now finds itself in competition with a younger, more influential faction.
While both sides claim to be working towards the same goal, the growing divide over leadership, visibility, and resources has turned their alliance into open rivalry, further complicating the already sensitive issue of missing persons in Balochistan.
