- By Supratik Das
- Sat, 24 May 2025 03:18 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Baloch American Congress (BAC) President and former Balochistan government Cabinet Minister Tara Chand Baloch has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India's moral, political, and diplomatic assistance in the current Baloch national struggle against Pakistan's domination of the region. In two formal letters to the Prime Minister's Office in New Delhi, Dr. Chand praised India's earlier attitude towards Balochistan and asked India to adopt a stronger global role in bringing to light human rights violations perpetrated by Pakistan in the province.
Brutal Suppressions For Decades: Dr. Chand
Referring to PM Modi’s historic Independence Day speech at the Red Fort, where he had made a rare mention of Balochistan, Dr. Chand said, “Your reference to Balochistan in your Red Fort address was embraced by Baloch people around the world as an indication of moral support for a nation that has been occupied, subjugated, and terrorised by Pakistan.” As per Dr. Chand, that symbolic acknowledgment had given fresh hopes to Baloch people all over the world, who consider India a possible moral partner in their long struggle for self-determination.
Dr. Chand recounted the forced annexation of Balochistan into Pakistan in 1948, calling it the beginning of a “cruel occupation.” The letter accuses Pakistan’s military of carrying out systemic atrocities, including disappearances, torture, killings, and displacement of thousands of Baloch civilians. “Governed by a jihadist army, this poorly conceived country [Pakistan] is accountable for the disappearances, torture, deaths, and displacement of thousands of my countrymen,” the letter stated. He further said that the Baloch national liberation movement, which has been ongoing for decades, is still being subjected to brutal suppression by Pakistan's military and intelligence establishment.
Dr. Chand also expressed alarm at China's increasing presence in Balochistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), terming it a "new colonial power" posing further threats to regional security. China's footprint in Occupied Balochistan is neo-colonialism at its best. It has entrenched the plight of the Baloch and raised strategic risks for the entire South Asian region." Dr. Chand also lauded PM Modi’s reported move to revisit the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, calling it a bold and timely decision. “I commend your astute decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty on hold and to clarify to the jihadist generals of Pakistan that blood and water cannot coexist.”
India Should Lead the Baloch Cause
With disappointment over the fact that international attention failed to follow the historic protest in London, Dr. Chand appealed to India to take a leadership role in bringing to the fore the plight of the Baloch people. “Outside of the Indian media, there is scant acknowledgement of the atrocities committed by the Pakistani state in Occupied Balochistan. India has the moral authority and geopolitical standing to lead this conversation globally.”
He cautioned that without significant backing, the movement in Balochistan would be extinguished, opening the door for "a grim era of colonialism."
Highlighting the region’s vast natural wealth and strategic coastline, Dr. Chand statedthat an independent and stable Balochistan could serve as a force for peace and prosperity in the region. “A free and cooperative Balochistan will benefit every peace-loving citizen of India and South Asia. It is time for India to recognise Balochistan as a critical geopolitical lever of the 21st century.”