By Ganjal Baloch
It has been over a year, yet the memory of Shari Baloch, the pioneering female Fidaayee of the Baloch Liberation Army, who performed a breathtaking act of self-sacrifice (Jend Nadri), never fades from my mind. Whenever I contemplate it, I am left speechless and filled with awe. Shari represents the point where human thinking and writing capabilities cease, and her indelible legacy begins.
Today, while casually scrolling through my Twitter feed, I stumbled upon another photograph of her. I couldn’t resist opening my notes and attempting to articulate my emotions. I understand that no writer or artist can fully encapsulate her essence, but I feel compelled to express my sentiments. In the picture, she embraces her young and innocent daughter, their hug brimming with love, warmth, and a sense of parting. The little girl may ponder why her mother clings to her so tightly, as if their world is crumbling within that embrace. In that moment, Shari bids her daughter farewell, and although her daughter remains oblivious for now, one day she may feel immense pride in her mother’s decision.
I comprehend that in the photograph, Shari did not wish to leave her family. Who on Earth desires such separation? However, Shari, with conscious resolve, stepped forward to defend her land against colonial powers. Describing a mother’s love and sacrifice, which transcend human imagination, is beyond my capabilities. But when one’s survival is at stake, their contribution becomes imperative.
During such times, one should not pursue a life of luxury while neighboring sons are taken away and their mothers’ pleas for mercy go unanswered. Abandoning one’s conscience is the gravest offense against humanity. By failing to defend your land against colonial powers that plunder your resources, massacre your people, deny your identity, forcibly disappear individuals, and execute those who are missing in staged encounters, you become a blight upon your nation, participating in the destruction of your homeland.
This struggle is not a fleeting event, nor did the Baloch initiate this war of liberation recently. It commenced with the occupation, as the Baloch employed various tactics in their fight. They learned from their experiences, and now, after years of hardship, the war has intensified. You cannot simply demand that a Baloch cease their fight for liberation, nor can you instruct Baloch women to confine themselves at home or forsake education. This is the time to defend, serve, and fight, for it is a war for Baloch honor and dignity.
Shari’s physical presence may no longer grace us today, but her sacrifice cannot be silenced. The more they try to suppress it, the more profoundly it resonates. Like a dark flower with intense ebony petals, she exudes beauty and enchantment. She stands as the foremost among the absent flowers, a symbol of strength and resilience. Shari, a flower in full bloom, wears a solemn smile—an eternal diamond forged in the annals of history.
Her sacrifice is the primal essence, the very lifeblood of a flourishing homeland at its zenith. Shari’s courage embodies the essence of creation, nurturing life and infusing vitality into her land. She represents sacred abundance, a vibrant and joyous garden, and a mighty forest that triumphs over even the fiercest trials of adversity, symbolized by fire and lightning.
The mighty anthem of her blood will prevail over the machinery of war and the cannons of the enemy in every era. Her bravery pulsates with unwavering truth, exposing the deceptions and oppression perpetuated by the enemy. Shari’s legacy serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring every Baloch man and woman to rise against injustice and stand firm in the face of the enemy in the war of liberation.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Balochistan Post or any of its editors.