Tribune’s Gamechangers 2011: Baloch insurgents

For trying to unite the Baloch on one platform.

Balochistan – Pakistan’s goldmine and what many have started terming “the next Bangladesh”. Insurgents in the province have intensified their fight against the government since Nawab Akbar Bugti’s killing during Musharraf’s tenure, and all has gone downhill since - a stark reminder of the 1973 insurgency.

While most of the insurgency does not get much airtime in Pakistan and doesn’t issue too many statements either (much like Dr Allah Nazar Baloch), two Baloch leaders who are now in exile have featured prominently this year.

Brahamdagh Bugti reappeared after 2006 – clean shaved, dressed in a designer suit, the Baloch leader is now living in exile in Switzerland. Once part of the armed movement and assisting his grandfather, the elder Bugti, Brahamdagh now claims that he is only a political leader and is not taking part in the armed movement.

On the other hand, the self-proclaimed ‘King of Balochistan’, Khan of Kalat Agha Mir Sulaiman Dawood also once again made a call for the Baloch to stand united and press for independence.

While both leaders are far from home, many believe they still play a significant role in controlling the movement in the province and hold some clout with the disgruntled Baloch youth, who feel they are oppressed by the government and the rich Sardars of the province.

Quote: “We have to hope” – Brahamdagh Bugti