ID | 150815 |
Title Proper | Independence movement of Balochistan |
Language | ENG |
Author | Verma, Jai Kumar |
Summary / Abstract (Note) | In a bold departure from the old practice, Prime Minister Modi made a reference to Balochistan, Gilgit and Baltistan in his Independence Day speech; nonetheless the move was criticised by the Pakistan government as well as by leaders of Indian opposition parties. But the nationalist leaders of Balochistan welcomed the move. The Khan of Kalat declared independence and never wanted to be a part of Pakistan. Jinnah forcibly merged Balochistan. The mineral-rich Balochistan is the biggest province of the country, but it is the poorest region in south Asia. The federal government, with an ulterior motive, is hindering the progress of the province. The Pakistan government, instead of redressing the legitimate problems of the province, alleges that the insurgency in the state is fuelled by foreign powers. Baloch leaders oppose the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as they fear that under the garb of the CPEC, the Pakistan government would settle outsiders in the state, which would change the demography of the province. The Baloch leaders also mention that the CPEC is not in the interest of the state. Pakistani forces have adopted the policy of ‘kill and dump’ to terrorise the Balochis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a momentous departure from the old policy of defending India against Pakistani onslaught about the human right violations in Kashmir, made a direct reference to the Balochistan freedom movement, Gilgit and Baltistan as well as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir from ramparts of the Red Fort in his Independence Day speech of 15 August 2016.1 |
`In' analytical Note | Aakrosh Vol. 20, No.74; Jan 2017: p.42-60 |
Journal Source | Aakrosh Vol: 20 No 74 |
Key Words | Pakistan ; POK ; Jammu and Kashmir ; Balochistan ; Gilgit ; Baltistan ; Independence Movement ; Modi, Narendra ; China - Pakistan Economic Corridor |