BALOCHISTAN IS A NATION
Dispelling Myths: Recognizing The True Baloch Identity Amidst Misconceptions – OpEd
Baluchistan, Pakistan. Credit: VOA
By Sehrish Khan
The heart cries tears of blood over the situation in Balochistan. In 2006, an American Colonel Ralph Peter presented a new map of the region titled “Blood Borders” in the American Defense Journal, which is considered the world’s largest defense magazine, showing Balochistan separated from Pakistan.
It was and this is the real agenda of the colonial forces, for the fulfillment of which brutal terrorists and separatist elements are burning Balochistan in the fire of terrorism with their successive heinous incidents. To deal with these conspiracies of the enemy, the top military and civil leadership in the Apex Committee meeting decided to root out terrorism from Balochistan. Undoubtedly, it is the sincere determination of the Pakistan Army that they are offering daily sacrifices of their lives for the motherland.
It is a moment of thought that Balochistan has been made a Battle Ground. Indian intelligence agency is sponsoring sabotage in Balochistan. In Balochistan, RAW along with BLA fueled Baloch nationalism. Baloch Liberation Army, Baloch Liberation Front, Baloch Liberation Organization and Lashkar-e Balochistan are gritty for independent Balochistan. Five districts of Balochistan, Sibi, Khuzdar, Turbat, Quetta and Dera Bugti are severely affected by the killings of these organizations. In the name of nationalism, Baloch Liberation Army is involved in other subversive activities including target killing, firing on trains, explosions, blowing up railway tracks and blowing up gas pipelines in these districts.
According to sources, there are three camps of TTP in Kabul and two training camps of BLA in Jalalabad which are running under the patronage of RAW. More than 400 BLA terrorists are receiving training in these camps and are targeting Chinese citizens in Pakistan at the behest of their foreign masters, they have advanced weapons and communication systems. It was also revealed that banned organizations also receive a share of the proceeds from the smuggling of Iranian oil in Balochistan. Many banned Baloch armed organizations including Baloch Liberation Army, Baloch Liberation Front are directly involved in oil smuggling. BLA has also been involved in gang wars in Karachi. BLA had started terrorist activities in Pakistan on India’s behalf, in return for these activities, RAW provides arms, ammunition and financial support to the terrorists.
However, the ongoing skirmish in Balochistan has led to widespread misconceptions about the Baloch people. One of the most damaging of these misconceptions is the tendency to equate the entire Baloch community with terrorism. This is not only a gross oversimplification but also an injustice to the vast majority of Baloch citizens who are loyal, peace-loving Pakistanis. It is essential to distinguish between a group of insurgents and the larger Baloch population, who have made significant contributions to Pakistan’s development and prosperity.
The Baloch people, one of the major ethnic groups in Pakistan, have a rich cultural heritage and a deep sense of pride in their identity. Historically, the Baloch have played a crucial role in the formation of Pakistan, contributing to its political, social, and economic development. The contributions of the Baloch community are evident in their active participation in Pakistan’s armed forces, where many Baloch soldiers have served with distinction, defending the nation’s borders. The insurgents, who engage in acts of terrorism, do not represent the Baloch people or their aspirations.
Unfortunately, the actions of these few have led to a dangerous narrative that paints the entire Baloch community with the same brush. It alienates the Baloch people, who are already facing socio-economic challenges and undermines their contributions to the country. Labeling an entire ethnic group as terrorists based on the actions of a few insurgents is a disservice to the nation and an insult to the Baloch citizens who have sacrificed so much for Pakistan.
To overcome this narrative, the media and educational institutions have a role to play in dispelling myths about the Baloch people. By highlighting the positive contributions of Baloch citizens and promoting their rich cultural heritage, these institutions can help build a more inclusive and united Pakistan.
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