Balochistan has experienced an unprecedented series of tributes for fighters of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) who were recently killed in the organization’s ‘Operation Dara-e-Bolan.’ Funerals across the region, from Quetta to Gwadar, and Turbat to Kharan, drew thousands, marked by floral tributes and expressions of national pride.
Saddam Baloch, one of the slain fighters, was honored in his ancestral cemetery in Kharan, where family and residents welcomed him, chanting slogans and showering his coffin with flowers. In Gwadar, Hammal Mohmin’s final rites were accompanied by floral tributes at Gwadar Zero Point before his burial in the ancestral village of Panwan, Jiwani.
Nizam Baloch’s funeral in Pasni attracted attendees from throughout the area. Kashif Shahwani and Wadood Satakzai were laid to rest in Quetta, with Shahwani’s funeral in Kalli Qambarani and Satakzai’s in the Martyrs of Balochistan Cemetery, New Kahan, respectively. The funerals of Nadir Bangulzai from Quetta, and Salal son of Noor Bibi from Panjgur, also saw significant attendance.
The burial of Hafiz Zeeshan Zehri in Zehri marked another poignant farewell. The processions for these fighters, including Ataullah Baloch, Qasim, and Jamal Shad, in their ancestral areas in Kech and Jhao Korhro, witnessed significant public participation, with streets filled with people paying respects and showering flowers.
These funerals, attended by thousands, were characterized not just by the vast crowds but also by the deep pride felt by the families of the deceased. “I will receive my son’s body with happiness and pride. He was the son of the nation,” stated Hammal Mohmin’s mother with resilience.
Jamal Shad’s mother, Lal Khatoon, honored her son’s bravery, saying, “He attained this rank with bravery in battle.” Salal’s sister proudly declared, “Today, I speak my brother’s name, Salaluddin, with the utmost pride and honor. He has brought pride to our entire family.”