Distortion of History: BSNs Observe Black Day

   By Sajjad Shaukat

In order to pollute the minds of the patriot people of the Baluchistan province against the federation of Pakistan, every year Baloch Sub-Nationalists (BSNs) observe March 27 as a black day on alleged annexation of Kalat state with Pakistan in 1948.

During this very day, shutter down strikes in small and far-flung areas of Balochistan and demonstrations of small attendance by exiled BSNs take place. As these hostile elements, while following the foreign agenda of the anti-Pakistan countries distort the historical facts; the Baloch must need to know the actual perspective about the accession of Kalat state with Pakistan.

No doubt, Baloch leaders and people of Balochistan played a vital role in the creation of Pakistan and ultimately succeeded under the leadership and guidance of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in achieving Pakistan as an independent state. In fact, Balochistan is an integral part of Pakistan with a history of supporting Resolution of Pakistan-1940, which envisaged the creation of a separate homeland for Muslim majority areas of the Sub-continent, as the Baloch had strongly opposed the plan of the united India.

Unfortunately, there are still been certain dissident elements which not only opposed the idea of Two Nation Theory-the fundamental ideological base for the creation of Pakistan but also left no stone unturned in polluting the minds of the innocent Baloch by distorting the history of Balochistan’s accession to Pakistan. In reality, before the independence of Pakistan, the territories which are now consolidated into the province of Balochistan did not constitute a settled province. Apart from Quetta District that was administrated under civil law, the rest of the territory was under Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR). The then government of British India constituted a special body of tribal elders known as “SHAHI JIRGA” for consultation by Assistant Governor General (AGG) on local issues relating to British Balochistan. On June 29, 1947, “SHAHI JIRGA” of the British Balochistan as the representative body of AGG along with elected members of Quetta Municipal Body unanimously passed a resolution of forming part of Pakistan. The State of Kalat had customary overlordship in the princely states of Kharan, Makran, and Lasbela. As these three states decided to join Pakistan in March 1948, the Khan of Kalat (Kok) also acceded with Pakistan on March 27, 1948. The brother of Kok Shehzada Abdul Karim of Kakat having mustered 130 tribesmen started the insurgency in 1948 which never took off the ground and the matter was brought under control.

Regretfully, Baloch Sub Nationalists (BSNs) distort the history of the accession of Kalat with Pakistan and give reference of the so-called insurgency of 1948 by the brother of Kok, whereas the document of the accession of State of Kalat with Pakistan was signed by Kok himself as the legitimate ruler of State of Kalat.

Notably, as a result of the general elections 2013, the government led by the nationalist leader Chief Minister Balochistan Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch was established in Balochistan, while on December 7, 2013; local bodies elections were largely held in a peaceful manner in the province. However, these elections proved that majority of the Baloch are loyal to the federation and do not favour separation of the Balochistan, as they have rejected the case of separatists, being projected by anti-Pakistan powers.

Even a Gallup survey of the UK official body, DFID, conducted on July 20, 212, had disclosed that the vast majority of the Baloch people oppose the idea of an independent Balochistan. This survey has also proved that some external entities have been conducting acts of sabotage in the province by backing the minority groups.

As regards the deteriorating situation in Balochistan and the missing persons, everyone knows that Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Baloch Salvation Front (BSF) and their affiliated outfits, including another group, Jundollah (God’s soldiers) which have been fighting for secession of the province gets logistic support from American CIA, Indian RAW, and Israeli Mossad. In the past few years, these militants kidnapped and killed many innocent people and the security personnel in the province. They also massacred many persons through suicide attacks, bomb blasts, targeted killings and sectarian violence. Therefore, they are responsible for dumped bodies and extrajudicial killings in the province. On a number of occasions, these insurgent groups claimed responsibility for their subversive acts. A majority of the disappeared individuals are also in the detention centers (Farrari Camps) which are being run by foreign-assisted Baloch feudal lords (Sardars) who want to continue old system of feudalism in the province so as to maintain their status, prestige, and influence at the cost of people of the province.

It is mentionable that India, US, and Israel have been internationalizing the Balochistan issue in accordance with their secret goals. In this respect, in connivance with the Baloch separatist leaders who have taken refuge in Switzerland, Sweden, US and London, these foreign elements use media, various NGOs and human rights organizations for false propaganda against Pakistan’s security agencies in relation to extrajudicial killings, mutilated bodies, and the missing persons.

Nevertheless, during this very day, it is also of particular attention that since the government of the Balochistan province announced general pardon and protection to the Baloch militants as part of the reconciliation process, many militants and their leaders have surrendered their arms and decided to work for the development of Pakistan and the province.

Besides, Pakistan’s Armed Forces have broken the backbone of the foreign-backed terrorists by the successful military operation Zarb-e-Azb which has also been extended to Balochistan where peace has been restored. But, it is the misfortune that based in Afghanistan; external secret agencies such as CIA, RAW, and Mossad have, again, started subversive activities in Balochistan. As part of the double, game, these agencies are using the separatist elements and terrorist organizations like the Islamic State group (Also known as Daesh, ISIS, ISIL), the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Jamaat-ur-Ahrar (TTP-JA also known as JuA), including other similar outfits in creating unrest in Balochistan, as recent terror attacks in the province has proved. Now, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project is their special target.

Taking cognizance of historical facts, the idea of observing Black Day must be denounced by all the segments of society, while the majority of the Baloch has already rejected the call for shutter down strike. But, these anti-Pakistan aims of the separatist elements also needs to be countered by our own historians, analysts and media persons by giving a true perspective of history and denouncing the hostile elements who distorting the facts in order to advance their vested interests.

These internal entities of Pakistan must point out that People of Balochistan, especially the youth are very loyal and patriotic Pakistanis who believe in unity and sovereignty of the country. They cannot be misled by elusive designs of greedy leaders who plan to observe March 27 as Black Day.

Particularly, media must proactively project the role of Baloch leaders in the creation of Pakistan and in defending the state of Pakistan. For the purpose, talk shows must be held giving a correct perspective of historical records by explaining the process of accession of State of Kalat with Pakistan and the internal rift between Kok and his brother.

Our own intellectuals must indicate that insurgency of 1948 which started by Shehzada Abdul Karim of Kakat never took off, because it was not supported by other realistic Baloch leaders, and it was based on misguided thoughts suggested by few Indian Congress leaders. The aim was to destabilize Pakistan by creating militancy in Balochistan.

Returning to our earlier discussion, last year, Baloch Sub Nationalists and Baloch Salvation Front called for a shutter down strike in Balochistan on March 27 to observe it as Black Day. Since it is the date of legal accession of State of Kalat with Pakistan, therefore, the strike call was based on negative contemplation and wicked designs to misguide the Baloch, especially the youth. In order to obtain the foreign agenda against Pakistan, these hostile elements who distort the history, want that every year, this Black Day should be observed.

Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations

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