Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch made a bold statement on Wednesday, declaring that Balochistan was never a part of Pakistan. He cited decades of violence, including "air bombings, enforced disappearances, and genocide," carried out by the Pakistani government. In a passionate appeal to the Indian media, he requested that they refrain from referring to the Baloch people as "Pakistan's Own People," emphasizing that they are not Pakistanis but proud Balochistanians.
Mir's statement comes at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan are running high, especially after both nations launched military operations against each other following the Pahalgam terror attack. But Mir’s words are significant not only because of the political context but also because they shed light on the painful history of Balochistan and its ongoing struggle for autonomy. The Baloch leader's plea holds an important message: the people of Balochistan have long been subjected to violence and suppression, and it's crucial that their voices be heard, not just as pawns in a political game but as a people with their own identity and aspirations.
In an emotional post on social media, Mir recalled an interview where he was asked about Balochistan’s independence. He asserted, "We declared our independence on 11 August 1947 when the British were leaving Balochistan and the subcontinent." For Mir and many Baloch, this declaration marks the beginning of their fight for self-determination. The claim that Balochistan was never part of Pakistan is not a new one, but it is one that continues to resonate with Baloch activists and the general populace.
Mir went on to address the Indian media, particularly those who have been vocal in their defense of India's sovereignty. “Dear Indian patriot media, the YouTube comrades, and intellectuals fighting to defend Bharat, I urge you not to refer to Balochs as 'Pakistan’s Own People.' We are not Pakistani, we are Balochistani,” he emphasized. Mir made a pointed contrast between the treatment of Baloch people and Pakistan’s Punjabi population, pointing out that while Punjabis have largely escaped the violence faced by Balochs, it is the latter who have borne the brunt of the state’s oppressive actions. “Pakistan’s own people are the Punjabi, who never faced air bombings, enforced disappearances, and genocide,” he added, calling attention to the atrocities inflicted on the Baloch population over the years.
The recent tensions between India and Pakistan have brought Balochistan into focus once again. Mir’s statements came at a time when the conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors was escalating, particularly after India’s military operations targeting terrorist sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Following these operations, Mir expressed solidarity with India, sending a message of support from the Baloch people. "The people of the Democratic Republic of Balochistan stand in full support of the people of Bharat," he said. Despite Pakistan's strong ties with China, Mir made it clear that Balochistan’s people are aligned with India, even declaring that the Indian government has the backing of 60 million Baloch patriots.
Mir’s words reflect the broader geopolitical tensions at play, but they also reflect the personal and collective struggles of the Baloch people. For many Baloch activists, India is seen as an ally in their pursuit of justice and self-determination. This is particularly significant in light of Pakistan’s ongoing struggles with internal conflict, economic woes, and security challenges. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claims of having eliminated over 100 terrorists during Operation Sindoor have fueled the already high tensions, especially as the situation in Balochistan continues to deteriorate.
The human rights violations in Balochistan have been well-documented, though they often go underreported in international media. Enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and suppression of dissent are just some of the abuses Baloch civilians have faced at the hands of Pakistani forces and militant groups. These violations have turned Balochistan into one of the most volatile regions in South Asia, where ordinary civilians continue to suffer, often with little recourse to justice. The Baloch people’s calls for greater autonomy and recognition as an independent nation have been met with violent repression, and those who speak out against the Pakistani state often find themselves silenced or worse.
In recent years, the Pakistani military has been accused of conducting airstrikes on civilian areas, leading to widespread destruction and displacement. These air bombings, aimed at suppressing Baloch separatist movements, have left a trail of suffering in their wake. Thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes, only to live in precarious conditions in refugee camps or other parts of Pakistan. The crackdown on activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens who dare to speak out against the government’s policies has further deepened the divide between the Baloch people and the Pakistani state.
The international community has largely turned a blind eye to the plight of the Baloch people, with few governments or organizations willing to challenge Pakistan’s human rights record in the region. As a result, the Baloch continue to face repression without much external support. This is why Mir Yar Baloch’s appeal to the Indian media and public is so significant. His plea for solidarity, both in terms of political recognition and support for their fight for self-determination, highlights the ongoing struggle of the Baloch people and their desire for the world to pay attention to their plight.
It is essential to understand that the Baloch nationalist movement is not just about independence but about dignity, justice, and the right to self-determination. For Mir and many others, the struggle is not just political but deeply personal. It is about preserving their culture, their identity, and their land from the ravages of violence and oppression. As the Baloch continue to push for their independence, it is important for the world to acknowledge their struggle and offer support in their quest for justice.
The situation in Balochistan remains precarious, and the people of the region continue to face an uncertain future. However, with voices like Mir Yar Baloch’s rising up, there is hope that the international community will eventually take notice and support the Baloch people in their quest for freedom and dignity. It’s time for the world to recognize the suffering of the Baloch people and to stand with them as they fight for their rights and their independence.
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