IN a key development for restoration of peace in Balochistan, Commander of Baloch Nationalist Army (BNA) Sarfaraz Bangulzai, along with his 70 companions on December 20, last year surrendered to the state and joined the national mainstream. Balochistan’s top separatist leader Gulzar Imam alias Shambay who was also the founder of the banned outfit BNA was arrested on 7 April 2023. Addressing the media on 13 May 2023, Gulzar Imam apologized for terrorism related attacks and urged all insurgents operating in the province to surrender and adopt a peaceful life, saying that rights could only be achieved through political and constitutional struggle. In fact, various separatist terror groups have cast a shadow on the genuine aspirations of the Baloch people.
Shambay’s capture has created a leadership vacuum within the BNA which was formed after the merger of BRA and the UBA. This resulted into internal conflicts over resources and finances, severely hampering the insurgency’s capacity to function as a cohesive unit. Hence, BNA now appears on the verge of collapse. This crack offers golden opportunity for reconciliation and dialogue offered by Pakistan. The kind treatment extended to surrendered militants, like Sarfaraz Bangulzai and his men, presents an enticing scheme for others. Bangulzai’s defection has also led to a mass exodus from the BNA. Therefore, the government of Pakistan emphasizes reconciliation with the aim to foster a sense of shared identity—belonging among the varied groups of Balochistan.
The Baloch are an inclusive nation, making efforts for a peaceful and prosperous future for all people. Any endeavor to create division among them in the name of greater Balochistan is nothing but a designed strategy to break Pakistan. And India has been targeting Balochistan to divert the world’s attention from the atrocities’, being committed by the Indian security forces in the Indian Occupied Kashmir. This narrative stresses that Balochistan belongs to its people and the state will not allow anarchists working at the behest of foreign agencies to hijack Baloch nationalism.
Those at the helm are completely aware of the Baloch peoples’ grievances, who are being harmed by misguided dissidents. So, the government offers the Baloch youth opportunities for success through improved access to quality education and employment opportunities—a share in the prosperity and promised by the exploration of mineral resources in the province. Meanwhile, the law enforcement actions and the fencing of the international border have improved security in Balochistan. Coupled with the offer of reconciliation presents a compelling reason for separatists to lay down arms and rejoin mainstream. The responsibility of the patriotic Baloch is to reject these anarchists’ conspiracy through collective action and cooperation with the security forces.
The country’s efforts to develop Balochistan should be explained especially China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, including the development of Gwadar Port. These initiatives aim to generate revenue for Balochistan and to create jobs for their people. In the meantime, the latest terrorist attacks on these projects prove the insurgents’ intention to weaken the development in the province. Question arises as to why the progress of the province targeted by the so-called nationalists who claim that they are fighting for the rights of the Baloch? Nevertheless, the ASAs are hampering Balochistan’s progress by attacking vital infrastructure projects like dams, communication facilities and transportation networks. These moves are portrayed as inflicting real damage on the Baloch people themselves, hindering economic development and essential services.
Furthermore, the human rights activists have continued their propaganda campaign in their call against the illegal abductions, while setting aside the ASAs recruitment of students into militants’ outfits, which is a clear violation of the right to education and a tactic to manipulate young people. As regards the issue of missing persons, the state contends that exaggerated figures are being quoted, and that many missing persons are actually hiding in the insurgents’ camps. Recent events like the involvement of Abdul Wadood Satakzai and Karim Jan Baloch in terrorist-assaults are being used as instance of Baloch youth being exploited. The families of these men were reportedly engaged by a human rights activist in a long march seen as a propaganda campaign against Pakistan. Such actions also hinder genuine efforts towards peace and reconciliation.
Besides, Baloch people must think that the so-called militant or sub-national leaders are living abroad, enjoying luxurious lifestyle, whereas the ordinary Baloch are facing hardships in mountains and fighting a futile battle against the state. On the whole, this critical state of affairs necessitates continuation of genuine endeavours to address the root causes of the separatist elements, ensuring fair treatment of all Balochi people and to adopt a real sense of justice. Now, BNA and other separatist groups must reconcile and surrender for ultimate integration into the society, which can lead to development of Balochistan as well as Pakistan
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Lahore.
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