Baloch National Movement United Kingdom Chapter held a commemoration ceremony in a hotel in London to pay ‘glowing tributes’ to Baloch martyrs.
According to details received by The Balochistan Post, representatives of several organisations including World Sindhi Congress, Nations Without States, and several members of Tamil, Sindhi and Afghan community participated in the remembrance event held by BNM-UK in London.
Two minutes silence was observed in the beginning of the ceremony. A short video containing testimonials of family members of Baloch martyrs was also played during the event.
This was followed by speeches by different leaders and activists. The speakers included Graham Williamson, a local councillor and Chairman of Nations Without States, Doris Jones of Sabah Sarawak Union, International Representative of BNM Hammal Haidar, World Sindhi Congress leader Dr Lakho Lohana, former Chairperson of BSYA and writer Qambar Baloch, human rights activist Noor-e-Maryam, senior member of BSO-A Aziz Mengal, human rights activist Mahnaz Baloch, Baloch political and human rights activist Rahim Bandhoi, Baloch Raaji Zrumbish leader Ismaeel Ameeri and BNM UK chapter organiser Hakeem Baloch. The event was moderated by Sikandar Baloch, a member of BNM UK.
The speakers paid glowing tributes to Baloch martyrs and said that the martyrs who laid their lives for the betterment of their future generations and against slavery will live forever in the history.
The speakers also spoke about the historical background of 13 November. On this day in 1839, Baloch ruler Mir Mehrab Khan had embraced martyrdom along with his comrades, while fighting British invaders.
“Baloch sons have continued the tradition of Khan Mehrab Khan and they continue to sacrifice their lives for the protection of motherland. The gallantry that the Baloch youth are showing against the invaders today will be remembered in the history of not only Baloch nation but also that of other suppressed nations,” a speaker said.
The speakers emphasised that the international conditions are changing and this will have an imminent effect on Baloch land. It is the need of the time that Baloch nation faces these challenges as a unified entity, equipped politically. This requires a unified platform to struggle from.
They added that various weaknesses and mistakes have steered away the struggle from its true objectives, which has resulted in enormous difficulties and hardships. “On this day, let’s realise what mistakes we have committed and devise ways to mend our errors. For a better future, we have to develop sound strategies,” a speaker said.
The speakers greatly emphasised at the need of unity amongst the Baloch political activists. “We have to sit and find solutions to our differences so that we can move forward towards our collective objectives in a unified manner. Unity is the major need of time. On this sacred day let’s vow to unite and invest our energy to achieve the objectives for which our martyrs laid their lives,” a speaker said while addressing the participants.
The speakers commended the huge participation of Baloch activists in the event and said that this enthusiasm confirms that the sacrifices of Baloch martyrs will bear fruits.
