New Delhi:
Balochistan is on the boil, once again. As per reports, the Baloch leaders have decided to up the ante against Pakistan as the leader of Baloch Republican Party, Brahamdagh Khan Bugti is all set to file asylum papers to India.
The Baloch Republican Party, a nationalist group fighting for liberation of Balochistan from Pakistani rule has decided to file a case against China at International Court of Justice.
Further, the party has also decided to file criminal cases against Pakistani army generals at International criminal courts.
All about Balochistan row
Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan with massive natural resources has been up in arms against Pakistani rule since its accesion to the Pakistani state. The province was divided into four princely states, Makran, Las Bela, Kalat and Kharan. The history of the conflict can be traced back to 1948 when apart from Kalat, the other three states acceded to Pakistan.
Kalat declared its independence which didn't go down well with Pakistan's expansionist agenda. On 27 March 1948, Balochistan was annexed by Pakistan through military might.
However, the Baloch, known for their fiercely independent nature were unable to accept slavery. Thus, began the armed resistance of Balochs which has taken the shape of a full fledged freedom struggle.
Although the Baloch people have been waging a long war against the Pakistani army's atrocities, their voice has been largely ignored on the international stage.
However, Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of human rights exploitations in Balochistan during his recent Independence Day address.
The Indian government's diplomatic offensive through the Red Fort ruffled a lot of feathers in the Pakistani establisment. Islamabad was completely caught off gaurd as India raised the Baloch issue at United Nations.
Balochistan is the least developed province of Pakistan with deplorable living conditions. Neglible health facilities and a pathetic education structure are Pakistani establishment's gifts to the Baloch people.
Further, a brutal human rights record, murder and disappearance of Baloch activists are some of the tragedies inflicted on the Baloch. The Pakistani army, which wields immense power in its land has even used fighter jets against the Baloch populace.
Various Baloch leaders have taken asylum abroad and consistently protest against Pakistani atrocities at different world capitals.
However, since PM Modi expressed his concerns on the Baloch issue, the Baloch freedom movement seems to have gained a new momentum. Their leaders have openly praised the Indian Prime Minister's stand and thanked him for his fearless stand.
Due to the renewed diplomatic support that the Balochistan movement has received from India, the day doesn't seem far when the Baloch people will be inhabitants of an independent land.
