Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday described the Balochistan movement in Pakistan as a symbol of an indigenous people's enduring aspiration for freedom, dignity, and rights.
In a post on X, Sarma wrote, “Today, the Balochistan movement stands as a symbol of an indigenous people's enduring aspiration for dignity, rights, and control over their own destiny — a struggle marked by immense sacrifice, resilience, and an unbroken spirit for freedom.”
The Chief Minister traced the roots of the Balochistan freedom movement to the tumultuous events of 1947–1948, noting that the princely state of Kalat, representing much of modern-day Balochistan, had sought to maintain its sovereignty following the end of British colonial rule.
"Despite initial negotiations for autonomy, the region was forcibly annexed by Pakistan in March 1948, sowing deep resentment among the Baloch people," Sarma stated.
Over the decades, the Baloch people’s sense of political disenfranchisement, economic marginalisation, and cultural suppression has fuelled repeated uprisings, he claimed, referring specifically to those in 1958, 1962, 1973, and the early 2000s.
Sarma further said that despite inhabiting a province rich in natural resources, the Baloch have long struggled with underdevelopment and accusations of systematic exploitation by the central government.
He also pointed to the killing of tribal leader Nawab Akbar Bugti in 2006 as a particularly painful chapter in Balochistan’s history, asserting, “The killing of respected tribal leader Nawab Akbar Bugti in 2006 marked a particularly painful chapter, reigniting demands for self-determination and justice.”
Follow us
