Editorial: Situation Polarization Plus
Optimists who are still unwilling to equate the situation in Balochistan with a state of “civil war” would at least agree that the situation has gone beyond mere political polarization. The current situation could at best be termed as “polarization plus”. Many are drawing parallels of BNP leader Habib Jalib’s murder with that of late Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti and Balach Marri.
The fact that the killings of Nawab Bugti and Balach devastated the entire Baloch society cannot be gainsaid. However, what came as a highly positive achievement for the Balochs in the wake of the killing of the two top popular leaders was the unity that the crisis offered them. The Balochs stood as one in response to the killing of their leaders. On the other hand, the Balochs stand badly divided in the aftermath of the killing of two important nationalist leaders –Mir Maula Baksh Dashti of the National Party and Habib Jalib Baloch of the Balochistan National Party.
Polarization in a political system is a normal thing. It has always remained a part and parcel of the Baloch nationalist politics. At times, polarization was based on ideological differences whereas rifts among top leaders of different parties also caused such a divide in other times. The current wave of polarization kicked off soon after the killing of Nawab Bugti which clearly divided the Baloch society among those who believed in maximum autonomy and those who asked for Balochistan’s complete independence from Pakistan. There were the ones, called ‘militants’ or ‘hardliners’ who supported the use of violence to achieve their goals and, on the other hand, there were those who advocated parliamentary struggle against armed struggle to achieve the rights of the Balochs. They latter were identified as “soft and moderate Baloch nationalists forces” while the proponents of an independent Balochistan would call the moderates as “pro-establishment” or “ideologically confused” people.
Two separate newspaper statements published in most local newspapers on Sunday have alerted everyone. The first strong-worded statement has been issued by former chief minister and the central president of Balochistan National Party Sardar Akhtar Mengal which has directly addressed the supporters of independent Balochistan. Mengal has categorically stated that his party would not change its stance on the insistence of a handful of what he called “politically immature teenagers” who wanted to dictate his party policies. This is the first time that Mengal has spoken so harshly to the supporters of armed struggle. He had to say this in response to a statement issued by Anjuman-e-Ittehad-e-Marri, a group loyal to Nawab Khair Baksh Marri and the idea of independent Balochistan, which said the BNP should now shun parliamentary politics after the killing of Habib Jalib.
One does not understand the logic behind the stance of those who persuade the BNP to give up parliamentary politics by citing the killing of Habib Jalib. Late Balach Marri, Ghulam Mohammad Baloch, Sher Mohammad Baloch, Lala Munir Baloch, Mureed Bugti, Rasool Baksh Mengal and many others collectively did not believe in parliamentary politics. Why were they killed? How was their killing different from that of Jalib or Maula Baksh Dashti? Or how are the BNP leaders going to be safer if they join the pro-independence camp? In fact it does not make a lot of sense to argue that Jalib and Maula Baksh Dashti were killed because they believed in parliamentary politics.
What needs to be understood is the fact that Baloch leaders, whether they believe in armed struggle or parliamentary politics, are equally under threat. They are unacceptable to the country’s Establishment until they soften their stance to the extent of BNP-Awami or the Balochs holding membership of PML and PPPP.
Now that Akhtar Mengal has clearly stated his party’s policy, he needs to make it clear that why his party still refuses to play the role of an active opposition in Balochistan. With Usman Advocate in the National Assembly and Abdul Rehman Mengal, (both cardholder members of the BNP), in the Balochistan cabinet, it still needs to be clarified why the BNP does not openly own these members of the parliament as its own members. In such a situation, BNP needs to play its role as an active opposition party by demanding mid-term elections in Balochistan because the province is in the grip of worst law and order problems.
The second significant statement which was published in different newspapers on Sunday come from the central spokesman of the National Party in which fingers have been raised at the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF), one of the most prominent underground Baloch armed groups, for the killing of Mir Maula Baksh Dashti, a central leader of the party and a former district Nazim of Kech district who was killed last Sunday. Known as a very nonviolent political party, the National Party must have thought ten times in advance before issuing this strong statement. National Party surely knows that saber-rattling with BLF may cause more confrontation and violence in the future.
As the situation in Balochistan does not improve, everybody is predicting more violence and chaos. Some experts, including the chief minister of Balochistan, believe the new trend of target killing Baloch nationalist leaders may even get worse. National Party president Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch and Senator Hasil Khan Bizenjo, NP’s secretary general, could also come under similar attacks which killed Habib Jalib Baloch. God forbid, such ugly incidents will create an unimaginable situation in Balochistan. The province cannot afford to lose more leaders. Let’s hope that these vulnerable nationalist leaders adopt improved security measures rather than behaving like a Machoman.
It is the time the armed groups and the moderate nationalist parties provided ample breathing space to each other. There is no questioning each others’ commitment to the rights of the Baloch people. They should focus on fighting for the rights of the people of Balochistan rather than engaging in an internal battle. This battle is no longer confined to a war of words but it has reached a point of physical attacks (or at least allegations, as leveled by the National Party) on each other’s leaders. Such confrontation does not serve the interests of Balochistan. The fight for the rights of Balochistan is a political battle. It should not be taken personally. Groups should try to perform better than each other in the political battlefield by winning the hearts of the masses rather than physically harming one another.
We earnestly hope that sanity prevails and this crucial moment in our history is handled wisely and responsibly by all stakeholders in the greater interest of the Baloch people.
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Hasil Khan Bizenjo you call this man one of our leaders. You should not worry about him he is as safe and healthy as his bank account.. And oh please pray for his personal secretary also Mr johnie walker. May the good lord always keep that cap open and those glasses full.. CHEERS
A famous Baloch writer Dr. Naguman said\ If you ask for water (from Pakistan) they will kill you (as Jewini) and if you ask for freedom they will kill you, so it better to ask for freedom then water.
It is better to die standing then on your knee. With respect to Habib Jalib, BNP is fighting but with his hand tied behind, by participating in Pakistan’s control elections it is giving legitimacy to Pakistani rule over occupied Balochistan.
one more thing Akhtar Mengal’s said in his statesmen “Bengalis understood the message after the first military operation and Balochs failed to understand it even after the sixth operations,” I think Baloch understood military operation’s message and this is the reason why Baloch want Independence and they know military can’t be fought barehanded. It is BNP and NP that have get the sense of the massage.
@Malik,
I think Baloch journalist must show the true picture of ground!!
Habib Jalib & Dashti was killed by same group who is claiming killing of many of pro-independence Baloch activist from 2009 till today. Police chief and other colonials agent trying to divert it to “Civil War” but they were almost failed! yes they may get success if journalist like you try to draw the picture of “Civil War”!!!
National Party almost loss its popularity because of pro-Pakistan behaviors and joining of top drug dealer Imam in it. even Dashti was against of it!!
Now Imam is almost organized a groups and the recruiting more criminal to act as “Baloch Musallah Defahi Tanzeem”!
As we know there are many change in Makuran journalist like you must discuss all aspects rather than Pakistani propaganda
Why Baloch freedom fighter start action against drug dealers?
Why top drug dealer join National Party?
Why many people like Dashki appose the joining of Imam?
Why Police chief pass statement of “Civil War”?
These killing are tactics by colonial Pakistan to counter Baloch independence movement!
Malik wrote: “One does not understand the logic behind the stance of those who persuade the BNP to give up parliamentary politics by citing the killing of Habib Jalib. Late Balach Marri, Ghulam Mohammad Baloch, Sher Mohammad Baloch, Lala Munir Baloch, Mureed Bugti, Rasool Baksh Mengal and many others collectively did not believe in parliamentary politics. Why were they killed? How was their killing different from that of Jalib or Maula Baksh Dashti? Or how are the BNP leaders going to be safer if they join the pro-independence camp? In fact it does not make a lot of sense to argue that Jalib and Maula Baksh Dashti were killed because they believed in parliamentary politics”.
This clearly shows Malik jan, you support the BNP’s stance. In fact you’re acting more like a BNP or NP support/member than an objective journalist. As you mentioned that Baloch whether they ask for Independence or the so called self-determination are under threat and will be killed. If you are going to be killed in anyway then why not die for something greater, something that worth dieing for? Only thing that worth dieing for is FREEDOM NOT SELF-DETERMINATION OR PROVINCIAL AUTONOMY or Pakistani parliamentary system.
Our peoples’ blood is being spilled all over Balochistan, our youth and elderly are being forcefully disappeared, implicated in false cases, killed while in detention not because they believe in parliamentary politics or they want self-determination but because they want Independence and that is what worries them.
Now the parliamentarians/self-determination seekers are also being killed and they should learn a lesson from these killing and join the caravan of the majority of Baloch people who are openly demanding for freedom. Akhtar Mengal’s allegation and spewing venom against pro-freedom parties is based on his frustration that on one hand he is loosing Baloch peoples’ support in Balochistan but on the other hand despite of having a soft-corner for Pakistan one of the senior most leaders of his party has been killed.
I think there is still time that Akhtar Mengal should join the freedom struggle instead of dragging his feet for self-determination because in today’s world self-determination doesn’t exist in its true shape, it is all deception and hypocrisy. Baloch people’s right to self-determination has been snatched from them on 23 March 1948 when Pakistan without the will of Baloch people has illegally occupied Balochland, leaving no room for the for the Baloch to determine (for them-self) what they wanted. Balochistan is an illegally and forcefully occupied country and the theory of self-determination doesn’t even apply to Balochistan.
@ Hakeem: As a part of The Baloch Hal policy, we do not normally directly respond to questions or comments made by our readers. However, your case is an exception.
If you think I (Malik) am a supporter or a member of the BNP, then perhaps you seemingly forget to read the other line in the same editorial. How many supporters or members of the BNP have said or have the courage to say this to Akhtar Mengal on the face that…
” With Usman Advocate in the National Assembly and Abdul Rehman Mengal, (both cardholder members of the BNP), in the Balochistan cabinet, it still needs to be clarified why the BNP does not openly own these members of the parliament as its own members. In such a situation, BNP needs to play its role as an active opposition party by demanding mid-term elections in Balochistan because the province is in the grip of worst law and order problems.”
Please, learn to respect the freedom of the press. Don’t try to strangulate the Press as well. Have some respect for free and professional journalism. Don’t accuse us of being supporters of members of the Mengal and NP. We are, mind you, the only newspaper that brought you the exclusive interviews of Bramdagh Bugti and the recent translated version of Nawab Marri’s interview published in a Sindh newspaper.
Editor
The Baloch Hal
Dear Malik, you are right people should respect the freedom of the press but that doesnt mean press should not be criticize, as you said freedom of press should be respected in the same way opinion of the majority also needs to be respected too; and the above all comments from different peoples are self explanatory in this regard.
Being a journalist you demand respect for the press and ask people, learn to respect the freedom of the press, so please in the same way also learn to respect the feelings, opinions and will of the peoples as well. You are free to write anything but have the courage to face the constructive criticism as accountablity stands for everyone so dont try to inject your view/opinion by force.
Contrary to some critical write ups, I find the editorial balanced and well written. It is the expression of the opinionist and is not conditioned whether the readers agree with him or not. As readers come from different political backgrounds with different mind-sets some may find it excellent, others may find it partial and so on. I find the article a good piece of journalism.
Coming to some points raised in the article. (1) Causes of Polarization in Baloch politics. I agree with the points raised by the editor but want to add that unfortunately the Baloch have a tribal mentality (Balochistan is not a tribal society for more than 80% as Baloch do not have a tribal economy and Baloch’s attachment to the Sardar in less than 20% of areas is only because the people do not see the rule of law in their areas and opt for their traditional ways of justice). The tribal mentality demands that anybody can over-pass you but not your brother. If the head of your brother (neighbor, country-folk etc) raises higher of yours then either you get your head chopped or you chop your brother’s head. And it is for this reason that every single sardar in Balochistan has its own political party or is in a different party so that one should not become a subordinate in a political party where one’s family member has a superior position. one remembers when Akhtar Mengal was vice president of BNYM he would never join Dr Hai, the president of the party, in a journey or visiting some place. He could not tolerate that a commoner would enter a house before him or become pesh-salam in his present. Dr Hai, being a malang in character, had little consideration for tribal norms and as he was the president and older in age than Akhtar Mengal he would not think twice to walk in front of Sardar Akhtar which was unthinkable for this latter until he formed his own party and became its leader. Among others, the Zehri brothers have each his own party and so are the Bugti brothers after the martyrdom of Shaheed Bugti. So, tribal mentality is one of the basic reasons of this political polarization and until we defeat this mentality we can not improve. We had high hopes with the middle-class politics but they have proved to be more opportunist and selfish than their tribal brothers, see for example the NP and BNP-Awami leaders who come from the middle and lower middle classes but they are the most corrupt and sychophants in present times. Dr Malik and Hasil Bizenjo were made Senators by Angels without having a single member in the National or Provincial Assembly, all because of their working on the plans of Pakistani Angels. These are leaders of the party that claims to represent the middle-class educated lot of young Baloch.
2) National Party is openly making responsible the BLF for the murder of Maula Bakhsh Dashti. It is hard to know why NP leadership is attempting to declare the agencies innocent in the killing of its leader and calling the BLF responsible. I believe NP leadership is not willing to bring a bad name to the Agencies as to not harm the hands which feed them (the Agencies) on the one hand and to deprive of any respect to Shaheed Dashti after his death as if the freedom fighters are made responsible for his murder then many may think that he must have worked against them and against the Baloch interests which means he was anti-Baloch and anti-Balochistan. A shaheed is one who is killed innocently by defending his honour, the honour of others, his motherland, on the path of Allah and the like otherwise if one is killed in enmity or as a traitor to one’s country and people he is hardly claimed a martyr. So, I can’t understand why is NP dead bent to put Dashti in the ranks of Baloch enemies while people cut fingers of their deads and put them in the lines of martyrs so that they are also called as such. It is something to think on and is not that easy. Dr Malik is using his cards calculated so we should read in the back lines to understand his moves.
3) Akhtar Mengal still hopes to have his share from the corruption in Balochistan one day. He hopes to return back to the position of CMship and fell his coffers with the rampant corruption in Balochistan. So, he can not take the path of freedom of Balochistan which is tortuous and dangerous. He still dreams of driving the car of Nawaz Sharif one day again celebrating the atomic blasts at Raskoh in Chagai.
3) I agree with you that freedom fighters and slavery-champions should not try to eliminate each other as this will not benefit any of them. I know that both lines are in their extreme lines, for example, NP leadership spares no occasion to malign freedom fighters and not the state of Pakistan and its apparatuses. These groups also pay them with the same coin so it is table-tennis type of thing which should end for the benefit of the Baloch and each should put its policy in front of the Baloch and let the Baloch decide with whom to go. There is no other way. I don’t believe sarmachars could eliminate Maula Bakhsh Dashti as he was a Baloch intellectual and firmly believe that he was eliminated by his feedors in order to bring a bad name to freedom fighters through NP leadership. On the other hand, Habib Jalib’s murder is as clear as the rising sun and it is for this reason that tens of articles are written by Baloch and non-Baloch columnists paying him high tributes and mourning his death.
I think you folks are being a bit unfair to Mr Siraj. All he has done is to report and analyze the situation on the ground. He did not create these circumstances nor has he been instrumental in creating this chaos that we see today. Today some of the so called leaders mentioned in this article no doubt must be scared, and some would be smiling, and enjoying the fruits of _ _ _ _ _ labor. Munafiqeen that is what I will call them. But at least Akhtar Mengal is not one of them, his stance has been clear since day one. He believes in political struggle and has always said so. And I respect him for that. but there are others and its journalist like Mr Siraj who help make vultures into leaders. These puppets of masters are always on TV speaking on our behalf. Baba Khair Bux Mari calls them sharabi, pathe baz, jeb katre. I call them the Raisani’s, the Zahris’s and the bezinjo’s
@Hiarbyar
with respect of all kind of media and political personalities in the name of democracy if you sale your land it will not be allowed in part of the world, in the name of freedom of expression a twisted script must critic, Malik want twist the situation nothing else!!!
Malik did not know “Baloch Musslah Defahi Tanzeem” belong to whom?
@Ali
“good piece of journalism”
Good piece of journalism mean to find out what is going on basically who killed and why? what are the objective behind killing, who is supporting this “Baloch Musslah Defahi Tanzeem”, shafiq Mengal relation with ISI……
There are lot of things a journalist can investigate but……opinion thats great
well hope baloch nation is trying to wake up if not than no one is going to wake u up our students ,sisters brothers kids and all i mean all r trying to wake u up and u still sleeping ,
ok i get it so baloch is saying some one is keeping me in blancket wonder who might that be hold on baloch is saying some thing ,what oh no .
ha u guys guess what baloch nation is saying who is he blaming on u wana know so listen to baloch nation him self what he have to say
well i am almost 8000 years old i have seen up and downs i have seen blood and kingdoms i have seen floods and green fields i have seen deads and births but what i am seeing now is not different but it is different u know what i mean hope u do.
so i am almost vanishing look like my time of end is coming and if it dose than i will be remembered in books or maybe in musiums if my enemy is loyal but i don,t think so.
i do have some thing to say if u have the courage to do it u can save me and ur self if not than we will be next american indians.
so my great leaders i will start with u cause i am following u no matter u r selling me,using me or defending me be honest how much u care about me cause u r from me if i am not there then u r not too.
stop throwing durt on each other and and join the hands of other leeders make them to understand that we all r one we have to stand togather some of u r giving blood some of u r helping to genoside us some of ur just waching some of u r scared some of u r thiking and lot more to say but i think i should stop here and see what will come up of that next lesson latter.
well my students r u waching whats going on or not please u r my hope dont let me down.wake up dont be in three parts dont let them use u for some what u dont aware of be one thats 1st lesson for u.
well my jurnalist whats up with u i have lots of hope with u be honest and keep all of them in track dont take sides cause no one is above the baloch so watch it and keep ur eyes open to the enemies and teach us about the changes around balochnation and the baloch land god bless u
i will stay in touch .
See thats where we should keep Balance, i dont think Malik is trying to support any group in his this editorial, so far i think his reporting is in Balance, i am not fond of BNP or NP but as a Baloch in this stage of our National Struggle i dont want be caught up these kind of arguments, after all we as Baloch are democratic people not fanatic Mullas.
So older strategy is better ie every body should struggle as before on their own platform, without giving a chance to our enemy who is very desperate right now and willing to kill every Baloch whether its Habib Jalib or Waja Ghulam M Baloch, Sardar Akbar Bugti or Balach .
I hope very soon international communities and world powers will realize their mistakes and help Baloch Nation otherwise Baloch will take this war to next Millennium.
Brother Malik
in this article i couldnt find a line discussing on agencies role for killing these two leaders(jalib & dashti) …
Hope U will write another article on “musallah defai Tanzeem” and “shafiq mengal’s” role & connections with paki agencies for sabotaging baloch national struggle……
regards
Mr. Imran Saqib,
The Baloch Hal will welcome an article by you, as you suggested, on “musallah defai Tanzeem” and “shafiq mengal’s” role & connections with paki agencies for sabotaging baloch national struggle”.
EDITOR