Author: Maherul Baloch
Colonialism is defined as the brutal subjugation of a nation. In a colony, powerful forces occupy territory and exploit the resources of indigenous people. For this purpose, colonizers use various tools such as military campaigns, the policy of “Divide and Rule,” and alleged genocide. Historical instances include the colonization of North and South America by Britain, Spain, Portugal, and France in the 15th century. Similarly, Pakistan has employed these tactics to colonize Balochistan.
Since March 1948, Pakistan’s establishment has conducted five military operations in Balochistan to gain control over Baloch land and resources. The fifth military operation has been ongoing since 2000, resulting in the loss of thousands of Baloch civilian lives, including top Baloch nationalist leaders.
Colonizers have consistently adopted the “Divide and Rule” policy to exploit indigenous people. For example, during the Age of Discovery, European colonizers implemented the same strategy. Furthermore, after the Industrial Revolution, British Imperial forces applied the policy to subjugate nations. Unfortunately, the colonial legacy of the British persists in Baluchistan.
The State of Pakistan has been applying the same formula to suppress the Baloch nation. It has launched numerous religious groups to divide the Baloch people based on religious sects. The state has also supported armed religious groups to counter nationalist views, with these groups being involved in bomb blasts and target killings in Baluchistan.
Historically, colonial powers have subjugated and exploited nations through genocide and forced assimilation. King Leopold II, known as “The Butcher of Congo,” was one of the most brutal colonizers, responsible for the deaths of 10 million Congolese people. In Baluchistan, the Pakistani state has maintained the legacy of King Leopold II by establishing death squads to perpetrate Baloch genocide.
These death squads are tasked with killing Baloch intellectuals, students, teachers, and journalists. Since 2002, over 55,000 Baloch people have been abducted by Pakistani authorities. Since 2003, missing persons have been victims of extrajudicial killings. According to reports since 2021, over 352 Balochs have been murdered in fake encounters by the so-called Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).
The extrajudicial killing of Balaach Baloch by the CTD triggered protests across the entire Baloch region. On December 6, 2023, the Baloch Yakjaheti Committee (BYC) organized protesters and initiated a movement against Baloch genocide. Protesters and victim families marched across the country under the leadership of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a victim of state repression.
On December 21, when the march entered Islamabad, the police prevented them from proceeding to the Islamabad Press Club. Islamabad Police used water cannons, baton charges, and fired tear gas on peaceful Baloch protesters. They brutally arrested all protesters and tortured them. After using force, the government attempted to send them back to Quetta.
Although protesters have succeeded in reaching the Islamabad Press Club, Pakistani authorities are using different tactics to harass them. Quoting the words of Saira Baloch from Khuzdar, a victim of forced disappearances: “We were going to hold a press conference, but the police tried to take away the speakers and the participants.”
Evidently, whoever colonialism has manifested in the Baloch region, it has been met with a fierce struggle of resistance. Throughout history, Baloch people have routinely risen up and overthrown colonial powers, demonstrating that while colonizers may steal land and resources, they can never steal the dignity of a people determined to be free.
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.