Baloch Discontent

THE Governor Balochistan, Nawab Magsi, has joined the chorus of Baloch leaders who have rejected the federal government's Balochistan package, on one ground or the other

THE Governor Balochistan, Nawab Magsi, has joined the chorus of Baloch leaders who have rejected the federal government's Balochistan package, on one ground or the other. Earlier, the Baloch National Front (BNF) of Bramdagh Bugti and Hayrbiyar Marri, had rejected this package simply stating that they would only negotiate the independence of Balochistan with the government. A variant but equally uncompromising position was of the Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal) which said that it would only talk to the government if there was an international guarantee. Other Balochs have also been condemnatory of the Package while the Pashtuns of Balochistan fear it does not protect their rights. Now Governor Magsi, not known as a hardliner, has joined the discontented Baloch voices by terming the package "charity". This should be worrisome for the government. If the federal government's own representative in Balochistan is unable to defend the package, where will its takers come from?
Baloch discontent rests on three main issues: Control of economic resources of the province; political autonomy to the largest possible extent; redress of past political persecutions. The existing package certainly moves in the right direction on the first issue. But this is not the main sticking point. On the second issue also there has been some movement, not just in the Package but also in the new criteria being set for the NFC award. But part of the demand for political autonomy is also linked to the removal of the military's presence within the province, except in terms of manning the borders, with the police and levies maintaining law, order and security, thereby giving a true sense of provincial autonomy to people. It is the third issue that is the real sticking point and it is here that the government has failed totally with the package becoming a mockery of political reconciliation. An unconditional general amnesty should have been declared immediately and all exiled Baloch leaders should have been invited for unconditional talks. Very critical, Nawab Bugti's murder inquiry should have been instituted under a credible and well-recognised national judicial personality - if an FIR could not have been lodged by the state itself. Also, the IDPs of Kohlu and Dera Bugti should have been allowed to return to their homes and, a major key to the problem, the issue of disappeared people should have been tackled more sincerely. There is a need to know what has happened to them; those still alive should be returned to their families, or at least their wherabouts should be made public. As for those who have since died, the circumstances of their death should be made public. Only then can this nation see closure on this issue - which time will not will away. Finally, while Baloch political rights are restored, the Pushtuns of the province cannot be left with a sense of deprivation. The Centre can act as a catalyst to bring all Balochistan political parties to a round table to decide their province's future. Clearly, a viable resolution of the problems in Balochistan requires a political resolution not a "package". That is why the present "package", while well-meaning, is simply too little too late.


Source: http://www.nation.com.pk