The Silence Of Mahrang: Unveiling The Real Atrocities In Baluchistan – OpEd

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The complex dynamics of Baluchistan, a region of rich cultural history and untapped potential, continue to be overshadowed by persistent narratives of oppression and underdevelopment. Amidst the cacophony of voices speaking for Baloch rights, a glaring inconsistency arises—the deafening silence of individuals like Mahrang on the atrocities perpetrated by militant organizations such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Baluchistan Liberation Front (BLF). This silence raises critical questions about the true custodians of justice and peace for the Baloch people and underscores the need to examine the impact of terrorism on this vulnerable region.

Mahrang’s refusal to address the killings of peace-loving locals by the BLA and BLF stands as a troubling omission in any dialogue about justice. These organizations, which operate under the guise of fighting for Baloch rights, have left a trail of devastation in their wake, targeting innocent civilians, public infrastructure, and anyone perceived as a dissenting voice. By choosing not to condemn these violent acts, Mahrang and others like her implicitly enable an environment where terrorism flourishes unchecked. Such silence is not just a passive stance; it actively erodes the moral fabric of advocacy by sidelining the victims of these atrocities.

The terrorist activities of the BLA and BLF have long been a blight on the Baloch community. Operating with an agenda that conflates violence with liberation, these groups have systematically undermined peace and stability in the region. Their attacks, which often target development projects and local populations, are antithetical to the welfare of the Baloch people. Despite these grim realities, Mahrang and other prominent figures remain conspicuously absent from discussions condemning such acts of terror. This inaction raises a critical question: is the terrorism perpetrated by the BLA and BLF not a form of Baloch genocide? The deliberate targeting of local populations, destruction of livelihoods, and systematic intimidation mirror the characteristics of atrocities that deserve unequivocal denunciation.

One of the narratives perpetuated by these militant groups, and seemingly endorsed by their silent allies, is that efforts to develop Baluchistan and provide employment opportunities are merely veiled attempts at resource exploitation. This oversimplified view not only disregards the complexities of economic growth but also ignores the tangible benefits that development projects can bring to the region. Infrastructure development, educational initiatives, and industrial investments hold the promise of breaking the cycle of poverty and marginalization that has long plagued Baluchistan. Yet, militant groups and their supporters weaponize these efforts to further their propaganda, painting them as exploitative schemes rather than pathways to empowerment.

Ironically, it is the terrorism of the BLA and BLF that constitutes the real atrocity against the people of Baluchistan. These groups claim to champion the cause of the Baloch but perpetuate violence that destabilizes communities, disrupts education, and stifles economic progress. Their actions serve to isolate Baluchistan from the broader national framework, ensuring that the region remains mired in a cycle of poverty and conflict. By targeting development projects, these groups deny the Baloch people the very opportunities they claim to fight for, revealing the hypocrisy at the core of their agenda.

A particularly harrowing dimension of this issue is the exploitation of Baloch youth by militant groups. The Baloch Youth Congress (BYC), an organization aligned with the BLA and BLF, plays a pivotal role in this tragic manipulation. Reports from individuals like Talat Aziz, a student who escaped a BLA training camp, expose the dark realities of this exploitation. According to Aziz, the BYC coerces students into joining terrorist training camps, presenting them as martyrs of a noble cause only to later portray them as forcefully disappeared or victims of state violence. This deliberate manipulation not only destroys the lives of young individuals but also perpetuates a cycle of misinformation and hostility.

The recruitment of students into terrorism is a calculated strategy designed to sustain the militant organizations’ ranks while undermining the social fabric of Baluchistan. Educational institutions, meant to be spaces of learning and growth, are instead becoming breeding grounds for radicalization. The tragic fate of these students, many of whom are killed in conflicts or used as pawns in propaganda campaigns, underscores the urgent need for intervention. Leaders like Mahrang, who claim to stand for the rights of the Baloch people, must address these heinous practices if their advocacy is to hold any credibility.

The silence surrounding these issues serves only to embolden those who seek to exploit Baluchistan’s challenges for their gain. Advocacy that ignores the violence perpetrated by the BLA and BLF is not just incomplete; it is complicit in perpetuating the suffering of the Baloch people. True justice for Baluchistan requires a holistic approach—one that condemns all forms of violence, supports sustainable development, and prioritizes the welfare of its people over political agendas.

It is time to challenge the narratives that paint development as exploitation and terrorism as liberation. The people of Baluchistan deserve leaders who will speak out against all forms of violence and injustice, regardless of the perpetrators. They deserve opportunities to thrive in a region rich in resources and potential. Most importantly, they deserve to live without the fear of becoming pawns in a conflict they never chose. Figures like Mahrang have a responsibility to amplify these voices, to condemn terrorism unequivocally, and to advocate for a future where Baluchistan’s true potential can be realized.

Finally, the ongoing silence on the atrocities committed by the BLA and BLF represents a profound disservice to the people of Baluchistan. These militant organizations, far from being liberators, are perpetuators of violence and instability. Their actions hinder progress, exploit youth, and devastate local communities, all while cloaking themselves in the guise of freedom fighters. The fight for Baluchistan’s future must be rooted in truth, justice, and a rejection of all forms of violence. Only by confronting these realities can we hope to pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous Baluchistan.

Dr. Hamza Khan

Dr. Hamza Khan has a Ph.D. in International Relations, and focuses on contemporary issues related to Europe and is based in London, UK.

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