The fourth death anniversary of legendary nationalist leader Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri is being observed today in Balochistan.
Mr. Marri, who was born on 28th February 1928 in Kohlu, was undisputed tribal leader of Marri tribe and was widely considered as face of Baloch nationalist movement.
Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri, famously known as ‘Nawab Sahib’ remained among the top leadership of largest nationalist Party of Pakistan NAP (National Awami Party) before it was banned by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in 1970s.
Nawab Sahib is known as the main force behind the insurgency of the 70s, and a ‘motivational, ideological and philosophical leader’ for the nationalistic forces until today.
Several Baloch leaders released statements in media on Nawab Sahib’s fourth anniversary.
“Such figures are born once in centuries, Baloch political cadres ought to adopt his philosophy to continue the movement for an Independent Balochistan. Difficulties and hurdles are momentary, but the struggle and freedom are for an eternity”, Said Javed Mengal, The chief of World Baloch Organization.
Mehran Marri, the youngest son of Nawab Sahib, remembered his father: “Nawab Marri drew a fine line between tribal, middle class, conservative and the politics of democracy, progressiveness and nationalism. He showed us the path of resistance against the occupation”.
Baloch rebel group United Baloch Army also paid homage to the veteran leader on his fourth death anniversary.
According to the TBP web desk, Baloch social media activists are also running a hashtag on social media sites to pay tributes to the late Baloch Leader.
Vigils were also held to remember Nawab Sahib and his decades long struggle.
Mr. Marri never compromised on his dream of a Free Balochistan till his last breath. In his last years, he went into silence at his residence in Karachi, where he remained sick for several months, and finally, took his last breath in a Karachi hospital on 10th June 2014.