End the Illegal Occupation of Balochistan!

By: Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis
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[ Posted On: 2008-03-25 ]

Divided among Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan, Balochistan is one of the few multi-divided nations of our times. In all three countries where a part of Baluchistan had been annexed, Balochistan is the most underdeveloped, the most marginalized, and the most crestfallen province.

Balochistan's fate has been sealed over the past 60 years, following the formal independence of Pakistan. As Balochistan's largest part of territory and population has been included in the polymorphous and controversial state of Pakistan, the Balochs have been politically, socially, and culturally oppressed.

Having faced a rather traumatic experience and encountered many adversities, the Balochs engaged in successive protestations because of the injustices that have befallen over them. The next protestation is a very particular occurrence: the Protest at the 60th Anniversary of Forcible Annexation of Balochistan by Pakistan. It will take place in London, i front of 10 Downing Street, on March 30, 2-4pm.

The Balochistan Action Committee (UK) & the World Sindhi Congress issued an announcement in this regard that we will publish integrally here. We believe it will be essential for the entire world to encounter a strong Balochi voice. We also publish integrally an article entitled ‘Balochistan – the Land of Protests' that was published today (http://www.thenews.com.pk/print1.asp?id=102863) by Senator Sanaullah Baloch, who convincingly illustrates the Balochi struggle for Justice, Freedom and Self-determination.

Join in the Protest at the 60th Anniversary of Forcible Annexation of Balochistan by Pakistan
(http://www.balochmedia.net/modules.php?name=Calendar&op=ShowEvent&month=3&day=30&year=2008&eventid=11)

- Pakistani forces forcibly and illegally annexed Balochistan 60 years ago in March 1948.

- Since then Pakistan's military has carried out a number of ruthless military operations to suppress Baloch aspirations of liberty, peace and justice.

- In Balochistan a full fledge military operation has been going on since last three years.

- Pakistan's military has killed thousands of innocent Balochs and has displaced hundreds of thousands.

- Pakistan's military has target killed Baloch national leaders and has abducted and tortured thousands of Baloch and Sindhi political activists.

Join Us to Seek International Community's

Urgent Intervention to End Illegal Occupation of Balochistan

Organisers:
Balochistan Action Committee (UK) & World Sindhi Congress

Contacts:
Samad Baloch 07825087032, Abdulla Baloch 07737141325
Haleem Bhatti 07939177286, Lakhu Luhana 07912219471

Balochistan – the Land of Protests

By Senator Sanaullah Baloch

Pakistan has turned into a land of protests. Disagreements with state policies are visible in all sphere of society. For one reason or another people are holding protest rallies, hunger strikes, sit-ins and roadblocks. Non-violence is the most powerful form of protest, but in Pakistan, because of the failure of peaceful and democratic means for the expression of grievances, protests have taken the form of revolts and rebellions, causing colossal damage to society.

According to the constitution people have the right of free speech and assembly, but the government is unwilling to heed the voice of society. Security and law-enforcement agencies use violent means to suppress opposition, forcing opposing groups to respond in similar fashion.

In countries where, unlike in Pakistan, the State acts as an arbitrator, not a party to the crisis, unrest is managed more successfully. Management of social unrest is part of social science. Protest cannot be dealt with solely through use of force. In multi-ethnic Pakistan this management needs greater understanding of all geographic, political, cultural and historic realities.

There are many reasons behind the discordant and large-scale unrest in the country:

1. Inflexible social structure and continued manipulation of political and economic affairs by the dominant institution (the military) and ethnic group.

2. Biased and unfair disbursement of resources and unchecked discrimination against marginalized ethnic groups.

3. Lack of proper and equal development and lack of participation of marginalized people in the process, the unrest is targeted at higher levels against government institutions. Political empowerment (real provincial autonomy) and economic development diminishes social and economic problems. Already, poverty breeds detestation against the rich and powerful.

4. Indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force against protesters, which creates hatred and turns into uprisings. Detestation and violence increase when government uses resources to modernize its security apparatus to suppress marginalized communities, instead of redressing their economic and social grievances.

There is need for greater understanding about the resurgence in violent protests in Balochistan and FATA. Pakistani is composed of culturally different nationalities and regions. Historically the mode of protest against alien rulers, and particularly against British imperialism, was relatively different in each region.

People in Balochistan and the tribal regions have inherited that traditional and violent way of protests. In these areas rebellion against British rule was sustained through attacks on railway lines, post offices, paramilitary forts and representatives of the rulers. However, in the rest of India protest against British rule was influenced by the non-violence campaign of Mahatma Gandhi.

The deprived ethnic nationalities in Pakistan have been trying hard since the creation of the country to peacefully influence public opinion and government policies to get equal social and political treatment, but failed to get proper attention.

The highly centralized state and its institutions are incapable of dealing with people's growing expectations. The constant attempt by the state apparatus to suppress the legitimate aspiration of marginalised people has further complicated the situation.

The recent surge in violence against the security forces and law enforcement agencies is deplorable. But in Pakistan these agencies are considered by marginalized people as a threat to their rights, identity and resources. The growing disappearances of moderate Baloch and Sindhi nationalists, the disproportionate use of force by the state against civilians and the biased approach of law enforcement personnel has raised questions about these agencies' integrity and impartiality.

Free media could play the vital role of forecasting social and political unrest in the different parts of the country. However, although the media appears independent and free in Pakistan, there are areas where the media is advised and regulated by the Inter Service Public Relation and the Press Information Department.

The Baloch movement for autonomy had been integrated and non-violent after 1977, but was totally ignored by policymakers and by the media. Therefore, the mood of confrontation intensified, reflecting the growing frustration of the people of the province.

In the early stages of the Balochistan crisis the media played an influential and positive role promoting dialogue between representative of the province and the centre. But the media's proactive role soon came to an end when they were forced to limit their role with regard to Balochistan and FATA. The majority of peaceful protests remain unreported in influential newspapers and on TV channels.

Part of the media is less enthusiastic about initiating a debate and reporting on peaceful protests by marginalized communities. However, violent incidents are well reported in both the electronic and print media. This media's behavior is unintentionally promoting violence, because it gets more news coverage than peaceful protests.

If social unrest and the wave of protests is not dealt with wisely and politically, it can further deteriorate the volatile social situation in the country. These are conflicts that can be solved through discussion, negotiation, and compromise. But if ignored, as usual, they could inflict unending damages to the very existence of the state.

There is greater need for the establishment to rethink its strategy of social stability. It needs to correctly analyze the situation and encourage the development of politically flexible methods of dealing with conflicts within the system.

Senator Sanaullah Baloch can be reached here: balochbnp@gmail.com

Article Source: http://www.afroarticles.com/article-dashboard

About The Author: Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis - is Orientalist, Assyriologist, Egyptologist, Iranologist, Islamologist, Historian and Political Scientist. Dr. Megalommatis, 51, is the author of 12 books, dozens of scholarly articles, hundreds of encyclopedia entries, and thousands of articles. He speaks, reads and writes more than 15, modern and ancient, languages.

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