The Baloch Raji Ajoi Sangar (BRAS), a militant alliance, has issued a statement through its spokesperson, Baloch Khan, announcing plans to target the upcoming August 14 Independence Day celebrations in Pakistan. BRAS has called upon the Baloch people to remain indifferent to the festivities, which they view as symbols of Pakistani occupation of Balochistan.
The spokesperson condemned China’s involvement in resource “exploitation” in the region, accusing China of supporting Pakistan’s “occupation”. BRAS warned “expansionist forces” that no one would be allowed to occupy even an inch of Baloch land. The group threatened severe retaliation against both Pakistani and Chinese interests if their “exploitation of Balochistan continues”.
BRAS emphasized their capability to thwart Pakistan and China’s plans to dominate Gwadar, asserting that projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are exploitative and not developmental. The group fears these projects will alter the demographic balance in Balochistan, reducing the Baloch people to a minority in their homeland.
The statement urged China to cease its partnership with Pakistan in “exploiting Baloch resources”, claiming that BRAS harbors no enmity towards China unless it continues its involvement. The spokesperson warned other countries against investing in Balochistan, asserting that such investments would only be possible when Balochistan is independent and able to make sovereign decisions.
BRAS reiterated its opposition to projects that “undermine Baloch national interests and violate international principles”. The group highlighted the negative environmental impact of these projects, which they argue contribute to the destruction of Balochistan.
Baloch Khan directed all BRAS fighters to launch attacks against the “oppressive Pakistani state and its exploitative projects in Gwadar”. The spokesperson concluded by declaring that Baloch land belongs to the Baloch people, who are committed to defending their freedom and sovereignty.
BRAS
BRAS, or Baloch Raji Ajoi Sangar, is a coalition of Baloch nationalist armed groups that emerged in response to what they perceive as the oppressive and exploitative policies of the Pakistani government in Balochistan. The alliance includes groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which have been active in the region for several years.
BRAS aims to achieve independence for Balochistan, a region rich in natural resources but plagued by poverty and underdevelopment. The group accuses the Pakistani government of exploiting Balochistan’s resources without benefiting the local population. BRAS is determined to end what it sees as the occupation of Balochistan by Pakistan.
BRAS has been involved in numerous massive attacks targeting Pakistani security forces, government installations, and infrastructure projects. The group opposes CPEC, viewing it as a tool for further exploitation of Baloch resources by Pakistan and China. BRAS has claimed responsibility for attacks on Chinese nationals and projects in the region, seeking to disrupt the progress of CPEC and draw international attention to their cause.