Insurgency in Balochistan

Context

Pakistani security forces has recently repulsed a militant attack on a complex outside its strategic port of Gwadar in Balochistan province.

About

• Balochistan is the biggest Pakistani province and is moderately populated and impoverished as compared to the rest of the country. 
• Its area in addition to abundance of natural resources, particularly oil, make it strategically vital for Pakistan.
• The province has been the site of a sequence of bloody insurgencies, brutal state repression, and an enduring Baloch nationalist movement since 1948.

Background of the Insurgency 

• At the dawn of India’s Independence in 1947, the location now referred to as Balochistan was partitioned into 4 princely states: Kalat, Kharan, Las Bela, and Makaran. 
• These states have been presented with three options: merge with India, be part of Pakistan, or hold their independence. 
• Under the influence of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Kharan, Las Bela, and Makaran selected to become a part of Pakistan but Kalat decided to remain Independent.
• On August 4, 1947, a meeting was convened in Delhi, and Jinnah supported Khan of Kalat’s choice for independence.
  • On August 11, 1947, a treaty was signed between Kalat and the Muslim League, recognising Kalat as an independent state, and promising that the Muslim League would respect Balochistan’s independence.
• Despite conferences with Mountbatten and reputation of Kalat’s popularity as an unbiased sovereign state, the British issued a memorandum mentioning that the Khan of Kalat was not in a role to undertake the international responsibilities of an independent state.
• On March 26, the Pakistan Army moved into the Baloch coastal area of Pasni, Jiwani and Turbat.
  • Khan had no option but to conform to Jinnah’s terms to merge with Pakistan.

Insurgency and Discontent

• The forceful integration of Kalat into Pakistan sowed the seeds of discontent and resistance among the Baloch people.
• Many Baloch nationalists considered the annexation as a betrayal of their autonomy and an infringement upon their cultural identity. 
• The region saw many insurgencies for the Independence from Pakistan but the Pakistan state managed to suppress the resistance.
• Once a proud sovereign state, Balochistan is now the most-neglected and poverty-ridden province of Pakistan. 
• Despite being the largest province and rich in minerals, Balochistan accounts for nearly 4 percent of Pakistan’s economy.

India’s Stand on Balochistan

• India’s role in Balochistan is complex and prompted by various factors including geopolitics, regional stability, and its relationship with Pakistan. 
• India and Pakistan have a protracted-standing war over the region of Kashmir, and any overt involvement by India in Balochistan could improve tensions further.
• India has been accused by Pakistan of helping Baloch separatist movements, allegations that India has continually denied. 
• India continues that it helps the right to self-willpower for the people of Balochistan but does not interfere in Pakistan’s internal affairs.
• Overall, India’s stance on Balochistan involves a delicate balance between expressing concerns about human rights violations and retaining diplomatic members of the family with Pakistan. 
• Any sizeable shifts in this stance would probably depend on modifications in the geopolitical landscape of the region.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Mains Practice Questions

Q.What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India? (2017)

a. India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase.

b. India’s relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened.

c. India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

d. Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India.

Ans: “c”

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