Balochistan conundrum

The official pretence that all is well in Balochistan, aside from the actions of some outside agents, quite often runs into trouble. This has recently happened at Kohlu, where four members of the Frontier Corps (FC) were killed in a clash with Baloch militants. The Baloch Liberation Army, which has taken credit for the attack, says that the killings were revenge for the death of several women and children by the FC. The security forces have denied these allegations.

But all this is in many ways entirely irrelevant. The fact of the matter, detailed in reports by more than one human rights watch group, is that deep anger seethes in Balochistan. Many different kinds of battles are being fought there and, to make matters worse, the FC is a much hated force, its presence despised by many across the province. The prolonged oppression of the Baloch people, not only over the past decade but also in previous eras, only makes matters worse. The situation that we hear of from Kohlu is a reminder that something needs to be done urgently to tackle a situation that is worsening by the day. Skirmishes between security forces and local groups who, with increased fervour, express their desire for autonomy and their determination to obtain it, only make matters worse — each such event adding to the air of hatred that runs through the vast territory of a province, the grievances of which have been ignored for far too long.

It is time for authorities to open up its tightly-closed eyes and tackle the issue of Balochistan head on. If the problems are not addressed now, they will keep worsening and perhaps reach a point where nothing can be done. Armed action against the militants is useless and only adds to the tensions. It is no solution to the problem because such an approach ignores the symptoms which are causing the frustration and the resentment among the people of the Balochistan. What we need is a diplomatic settlement and a process of dialogue with all stake holders that can lead towards it. This must begin now. One — important — starting point could be the government ensuring that the abductions of teachers, students, intellectuals and in fact ordinary Baloch ends and that the issue of missing persons is resolved once and for all.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18^th, 2011.