Pakistan imposing strict restrictions to prevent August 11 celebrations: Baloch activist

Quetta, Aug 8 (IANS) Leading Baloch human rights defender Mir Yar Baloch accused the Pakistani military of making every possible effort to disrupt public gatherings and Independence Day events of Balochistan scheduled for August 11.

He stressed that the people of Balochistan remain resolute and refuse to submit to repression by Pakistani authority or comply with the Section 144 restrictions imposed across the province.

Balochistan is set to observe the 79th Independence Day on August 11, continuing an annual tradition that defies what Baloch human rights groups call Pakistan’s “illegal occupation” of the region.

The Baloch struggle for independence has significant historical origins, starting in 1947 when the princely state of Kalat made a short-lived declaration of independence following the partition of British India.

Nevertheless, in 1948, Pakistan forcibly annexed the region, a move that has continually been opposed by Baloch nationalists.

Taking to social media platform X, Mir alleged that the “occupying” Pakistani forces had imposed sweeping restrictions in Balochistan, including an internet shutdown from August 7 to August 30, in an effort to prevent national celebrations. He asserted, however, that no deployment of additional Pakistani troops, military assets or air power could indefinitely maintain Pakistan’s presence in Balochistan against the determination and resolve of the Baloch people.

“The Republic of Balochistan rejects attempts to characterise the Baloch people as militants or separatists. The Baloch freedom fighters constitute the Defence, Security Forces, and military of Balochistan, enjoying the confidence and endorsement of the sixty million Baloch people. The Baloch masses place their trust in these forces because they are sons and daughters of the same soil and serve the interests of their own nation,” Mir stated.

“These forces are not fighting for financial gain, nor are they engaged in creating unrest or spreading violence. They are carrying out their national duty: safeguarding peace and security, protecting the people, and laying the foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and developed Balochistan,” he added.

He further claimed that operations carried out by Baloch armed groups are aimed at “dismantling and expelling Pakistan’s alleged terrorist networks”, which they hold responsible for “instability, insecurity, and violence” across Balochistan.

Calling on the international community to hear and acknowledge the “aspirations and verdict” of the people of Balochistan, Mir said, “ We believe that the Baloch are the rightful owners of Balochistan and have resolved to free their homeland from the foreign Pakistani occupation.”

–IANS

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