Mehr Shanz Baloch
Introduction:
Throughout history, the world has witnessed numerous leaders, followers, movements, and political endeavors resorting to self-sacrifice as a final recourse. However, have we truly considered the motivations behind this extreme measure, used to express one’s political, ideological, or religious convictions and to foster understanding in the world? This article delves into the complex realm of self-sacrifice, where individuals willingly choose death and sacrifice to champion ideas that may outlast their own generation and personal experiences. Such sacrifices are driven by a profound love for the natural rights of people who share the same identity, faith, ideology, or political beliefs, exemplifying the highest moral standards of humanity: sacrificing oneself for the sake of others. While suicide bombings have been employed in the past to advance ideological agendas, the recent surge in such extreme actions by freedom fighters in Balochistan raises critical questions. Why do individuals with the potential for a prosperous life choose death? Why did Shari leave her children and loving family to face agony and perish? Why does Sumaiya Qalandrani willingly forsake her own desires for future generations that have not yet arrived?
Exploring the Motivations:
Attempts to answer these questions by colonial powers have often resorted to interpreting these acts as signs of frustration, mental illness, or the deeds of unsound individuals. However, the reality is far more nuanced. These sacrifices are not driven solely by the frustrations of war or personal hardships but by an ardent desire to alleviate collective suffering, which is often imposed rather than natural. Those who remain steadfast to their ideologies and possess the courage to confront the realities of the struggle, which demands sacrifice, may choose death over a life riddled with undesired adversities such as injustice, pain, agony, and sorrow. Those with the capacity for perception and introspection cannot remain silent but instead find their voice. Those who possess the bravery to endure physical pain and hardship navigate their way through the mountains, striving for national salvation.
A Global Perspective:
The situation in Balochistan mirrors the experiences of other global movements, including the Tamil Tigers, Kurds, Talibs, and Irish, where individuals have made profound sacrifices in the pursuit of freedom. The Baloch people have been tireless in their quest for liberation, as exemplified by Nawab Khair Bukhsh Marri’s words: “We would accept any means and support to earn our freedom, even if we had to seek help from the swine.” This demonstrates not frustration, but a resolute spirit to fight against unwanted intruders and secure their freedom.
The Role of Violence and Extreme Measures:
Violence, in general, and suicide bombings, in particular, represent the last resort for political or armed organizations to advance their motives. When misery, pain, agony, and brutal oppression reach intolerable levels, individuals rise up and fight. As a means to attain a definitive resolution, they ultimately resort to extreme actions that intensify their struggle.
Catalysts for Sacrifice:
When elders are degraded and belittled by individuals who lack moral or legal authority, except for the legitimacy granted by an unauthorized organization like the Pakistani army, people witness their mothers, sisters, elders, and children being subjected to violence. In the midst of chaos and brutality perpetuated by robbers, trespassers, thieves, and local criminals, those with open eyes and minds seek ways to fight against such injustices.
The Moral Significance of Sacrifice:
The willingness and eagerness to sacrifice oneself exemplify the highest moral values of enlightenment and unwavering commitment to achieving one’s ultimate political and ideological goals. The intensity of the struggle often frustrates the enemy, leading to immoral acts as a means to counter the insurgency.
Conclusion:
Regrettably, the enemy often dismisses
this intensified form of struggle as mere frustration within the armed organization. In reality, it is an attempt to conceal their own shortcomings and failure to adhere to the moral principles inherent in armed conflicts. The act of sacrificing oneself in pursuit of justice and freedom represents a profound commitment to the ideals of humanity, emphasizing the need for understanding and reflection on these complex acts of sacrifice.