There is an unannounced ban on politics in war-torn Balochistan, and the state has blocked all avenues of Baloch national politics through coercive violence. However, in recent years, a new wave of youth-led political movements has emerged in Balochistan against enforced disappearances and state repression. One such group is the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, which is organizing a grand rally called Raji Muchi in Gwadar tomorrow.
It is alleged that since the forced annexation of Balochistan, the policy of crushing peaceful political movements by force has been in force. Alongside the independence movement, there have been arrests for raising voices for national rights, restrictions on political gatherings, the abolition of elected governments, and bans on national parties like the National Awami Party. Despite these measures, the state has always failed to suppress Baloch movements.
The tactics adopted by the state to counter the Baloch national movement are the same tactics being used to stop the current Baloch Raji Muchi and resistance politics. Instead of learning from their historical mistakes, Pakistan’s decision-making circles are repeating the same policies. The powerful forces of the state fail to understand that national movements can be temporarily suppressed by coercion and violence, but it is impossible to eliminate these movements entirely.
Balochistan has been a victim of political stagnation due to state repression and the unannounced ban on politics. However, the recent political upsurge of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee has once again mobilized Baloch society politically, transcending the institutions of state repression and China’s expansionist ambitions. This has united the Baloch nation for a collective struggle. Baloch Raji Muchi will have far-reaching effects on the resistance politics of Balochistan, and it is not far-fetched to say that Raji Muchi will be the cause of reorganizing and further mobilizing Baloch national politics.
On the other hand, there are speculations and fears that the state may try to stop this movement by force. In the event of any possible use of force, the situation may escalate to extreme tension, validating the arguments of Baloch armed organizations that they have turned to armed struggle because peaceful politics is blocked.