The sooner the peace is restored in Baochistan the better for the province and the country at large which is fighting a bloody war against the terrorists. As has happened in insurgencies of a similar type worldwide, reconciliation is the only way out. Attempts made by the Balochistan government in the direction have resulted in some of the Ferraris laying down arms. This is a good beginning despite those who surrendered were mostly foot soldiers. Both the federal and the provincial governments realise the need to hold talks with the insurgent leaders. The efforts made in the direction have so far failed to yield tangible results. It is very welcoming that a Baloch Republican Party (BRP) leader Brahamdagh Bugti has expressed his willingness to resile from his demand for independence from Pakistan and to live in peace with the state provided the grievances of the Baloch people are addressed through meaningful negotiations. This is arguably a remarkable turnaround. It definitely shows a radical change in the politics of this section of the Baloch leadership that has been engaged in a resistance movement since the killing of Brahamdagh’s grandfather, Nawab Akbar Bugti, in 2006 at the hands of the Musharraf regime. Considered in the light of recent circumstances, Mr Bugti’s conciliatory words are rooted in pragmatism. Several factors have changed the dynamics in Balochistan. For one, the security establishment has ramped up the intensity of operations across the province. It is not difficult to fathom why: the successful execution of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is predicated on securing peace in that theatre of conflict. ‘Managing’ the violence through dubious proxies and occasional security operations is no longer enough. Meanwhile, the insurgents, however well-armed, cannot match the army’s firepower and large numbers of Mr Bugti’s followers as well as insurgents belonging to other separatist groups have been killed in the military offensive. Second, in response to the amnesty announced by the provincial government in late June, hundreds of purported rebels have laid down their arms. While it is difficult to ascertain the true extent of such ‘surrenders’, the spectacle — played up to the hilt by the authorities as a counter-insurgency ploy — must be demoralising to those still fighting the state. Third, and perhaps most crucial, the separatist movement that once appeared an impregnable monolith has fractured over the past year as a result of internal crises. The government should welcome the shift in the position of Brahamdagh Bugti and engage him in talks to move towards bringing an end to the years long insurgency and make the Baloch people partners in the development of the largest province in area and important strategic location of the country. In the wake of announcements regarding the establishment of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and the development of Gwadar Port, Balochistan has already acquired greater importance. The government needs to look into Baloch grievances and redress them at the earliest. Like all other citizens and federating units, the Baloch people must be given their rights according to the constitution. The government should engage all stakeholders, exiled leaders and insurgents in talks and give them fair treatment. The issue of Balochistan is different from terrorism. In this province, the people have been facing marginalisation for long years. Despite having rich mineral resources, the province is facing neglect and not being paid appropriate royalties by the federal government. Violations of human rights and other abuses are rampant in Balochistan. The government should accept the legitimate demands of the Baloch. The royalties from minerals, gas, etc, should be spent on the uplift of Balochistan and its poor people. We should desist from branding Baloch leaders as Indian-funded traitors and try dialogue instead to find acceptable solutions to their grievances.
pk.shafaqna.com
