New Delhi (NVI): For almost 73 years now, Balochistan’s struggle for freedom has continued as the troubled province in Pakistan suffers from human rights violations, enforced disappearances and exploitation of its natural resources by Islamabad.
11 August is celebrated as independence day in Balochistan every year. It was on this day in 1947 that the British government gave independence to Balochistan.
It was then not part of Pakistan, which got independence three days later, on August 14. It was only on March 27, 1948, that the Pakistani Army forcibly occupied Balochistan, and declared it as one of its parts.
Since then, Pakistan has exploited the region for its rich mineral resources and the people of Balochistan have been protesting against the ever-increasing human rights violations.
However, marred by years of violence and suppression at the hands of Pakistan military and security forces, the resilience and fighting spirit of Baloch people is remarkable.
Recently, Baloch armed groups and Sindhi revolutionaries have decided to form a joint front to fight against Pakistan’s occupation and the atrocities inflicted by the Pakistani army on their people in the region.
Baloch Raji Ajoi Sangar (BRAS) an umbrella group of Baloch armed groups announced the formation of an alliance with Sindhi Armed group Sindhdesh Revolutionary Army (SRA) on July 26.
Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan occupying about 45 per cent of the territory and bordering Iran. The province is rich in natural resources. It is for this reason that Pakistan is dependent on the province in the wake of its dwindling economy.
Media reports claim that within 24 hours of the declaration of Independence in 1947, the Khan of Kalat formed Balochistan’s House of Commons and the House of Lords. The Khan of Kalat called a meeting of both houses of Balochistan On 16th December 1947 to discuss the possibility of joining Pakistan.
Reports suggest members from both Houses rejected the idea of joining Pakistan. However, Pakistan invaded Balochistan and took control by imprisoning the Khan and his family members within the palace.
The Pakistan government has always denied this and claimed that Balochistan consisted of four provinces of Makran, Las Bela, Kharan and Kalat. It has claimed that all were willing to join Pakistan except Kalat, but due to a past treaty, it was also incorporated into the country.
However, there have been several allegations of human rights violations that have been raised by international bodies including Human Rights Watch (HRW) which has appealed the Pakistan government to stop these transgressions. But Pakistan has done nothing to address the situation and rather treated Baloch people as separatists.
Families of several Baloch people have approached the high offices in the country, requesting the release of their loved ones, many of whom have been tortured or imprisoned in inhuman conditions. Extra-judicial killings, mysterious disappearance is the fate of those who oppose the Pakistan military there.
-ARK
