The Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA) has described 11 August as a “significant milestone” in Baloch national history, marking what it says was Britain’s recognition of Balochistan’s independent status in 1947.
In a statement issued on Balochistan Day, SRA spokesperson Sodhu Sindhi said the British ruled the Indian subcontinent for a century, during which subjugated nations waged a long struggle for independence. He said the empire, weakened by the Second World War and anti-colonial resistance, was forced to withdraw.
According to the statement, before leaving, Britain “under the supervision of the Punjabi army” established Pakistan as an “agent state”, which the SRA says later became oppressive for subjugated peoples.
The group said that on 11 August 1947, Britain recognised an independent Balochistan. Four days later, on 15 August, the subcontinent was partitioned into India and Pakistan. Following independence, the Baloch formed a democratic parliament.
The SRA said Pakistan soon launched a military invasion of Balochistan, ending its independence. The group claims this “occupation” has destroyed Baloch life, identity, culture and civilization, undermining regional stability. It argued that an independent Balochistan could have ensured maritime connectivity, prosperity and religious harmony, but that the region is now paying the price for “Balochistan’s subjugation”.
The spokesperson said the “Baloch struggle for independence continues and has now entered a decisive stage”, adding that the “sacrifices and continuous struggle” of the Baloch nation would ultimately lead to the re-establishment of independence through a fight against “Pakistan and the Punjabi army”.
The SRA said Sindhis and Baloch “share the same enemy” and pledged that the Sindhi nation would stand alongside the Baloch “on every front”.