Balochistan mange azadi: India voices concern and extends support at UN

India has continued its diplomatic offensive against the terror state of Pakistan. In a major development, Indian diplomat, Mini Devi Kumam has exposed Pakistan sponsored terrorism in UNHRC, Geneva. In her written statement, she has spoken about the persecution of minorities and political dissidents in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sindh, Balochistan. She also highlighted Pakistani atrocities on Shiyas, Ahmadiyas, Ismailias and Hazaras.

She also brought to light Pakistan’s illegal occupation of a part of India’s state of Jammu & Kashmir and the continued brutalities and denial of even basic rights to the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir. She made it clear that Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of India and that the principle of self-determination is applicable to colonial territories but cannot be used to erode territorial integrity and sovereignty of any member state.

This is a befitting reply to Pakistan which has been pushing time and again for a plebiscite for the people of Kashmir. The fact remains that Kashmir is an integral part of India and rightfully vests in India. Pakistan’s status is that of an illegal occupying force and it has no right to demand a plebiscite. Pakistan has been wrongfully holding Pakistan occupied Kashmir in violation of India’s territorial sovereignty and integrity. By fomenting terror on Indian soil and instigating separatism, Pakistan is only further violating India’s territorial sovereignty.

The Balochistan issue which is one of several issues that were raised in the written statement at the UNHRC has been a major issue in Pakistan over the recent past. The Baloch freedom fighters have been waging a brave battle against the terrorist state in order to get rid of illegal Pakistani occupation and atrocities. A few days ago, Major (retired) Gaurav Arya tweeted that a Pakistan Army vehicle was attacked in Balochistan. One Baloch freedom fighter was martyred while four Pakistani soldiers were said to be critical. Gaurav added, “From the mountains to the streets, from the markets to the schools, the Baloch are roaring in one voice ‘Balochistan ko chahiye Azaadi’”.

The freedom movement in Balochistan has been in full swing. In another incident which showcased how the Balochs have intensified their struggle it was reported that Balochistan Liberation Tigers, an organisation fighting for the independence of Balochistan against Pakistani oppression had taken responsibility for a gas pipeline blast in the state. The blast claimed the lives of 4 security men. Last month, 9 Pakistan Army soldiers were killed in a suicide attack in Balochistan. Officials were quoted as saying, “The Baloch pro-freedom organisation has claimed that its fighters had attacked the Pakistani security personnel on CPEC route between Panjgur and Turbat city.”

Pakistan is already facing tremendous Indian pressure and the wider global sentiment is also in India’s favour. Therefore, the circumstances are totally in India’s favour and this is the right time to expose all atrocities and brutalities of the terrorist country. India must continue its sharp diplomatic offensive against Pakistan and expose it not just at the UNHRC but at every possible multilateral forum.