Will Indian Balochs' wish for a supportive Parliamentary debate on Balochistan fructify?

By Nava Thakuria*

Amid India-Pakistan confrontations, the Baloch community residing in Bharat urges the Union government in New Delhi for extending support to their causes by raising the issue of Balochistan at national and also international levels. Appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take initiatives for a pragmatic discussion in the Parliament and push for a formal resolution recognizing (and supporting) the legitimate freedom struggle of Baloch people (out of Pakistan). The members of Baloch Welfare Association (India) also requested the government to permit for establishing a Balochistan Representative Office (or Embassy) with an aim to ‘coordinate political, diplomatic, and cultural engagements’.

“The Baloch people have lived in India for centuries. We proudly call this land our home. Our ancestors stood shoulder to shoulder with Indian revolutionaries, sacrificing their lives in the fight for independence from British colonialism. Our Love for India is not recent, but inherited, lived, and cherished through generations,” said a letter addressing the PMO, adding that ‘a free and democratic Balochistan will not only bring peace to Baloch people but also serve India's long-term strategic, security, and geopolitical interest in south Asia. The people of Balochistan always look for India with hope and the Indian Balochs wish to see this historic connection transformed into a reality.

The letter also highlighted two prominent historical figures namely Kadu Makrani and Nawab Bahadur Khan Baloch, who symbolize the trusted bond between the Bharatiya and Balochi nationals. Makrani was a Baloch freedom fighter, who led a daring rebellion against the British colonial forces in Gujarat. He became a legend for his courage after his martyrdom in 1878 in the history of India's freedom movement. On the other hand, Bahadur Khan from Uttar Pradesh emerged as a nobleman immensely contributing to the Indian society with relentless approaches to foster harmony and civic engagements between Baloch and indigenous communities.

The situation in Balochistan province under Islamabad remains a solid example for showcasing the humanitarian crisis, where the Pakistani military establishment continues engaging in grave human rights violation, including enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings, torture, and a systematic silencing of dissident voices. Bearing cumulative pain in their hearts, the freedom aspiring Baloch people have sustained their struggles for freedom, dignity, and justice. The international human rights organizations have documented the genocide of Balochs time to time, but the global community largely remain silent.

The Indian Balochi association also pleaded with New Delhi to facilitate entry of Baloch political activists, who are currently living in exile, and grant asylum (and humanitarian protection) to the persecuted Balochs, seeking refuge in India. Moreover, it asked for recognizing the Baloch Welfare Association as an unified democratic voice of Indian Balochs and allowing them to take part in national consultations on security matters and interactions with police, media and civil societies in a peaceful manner under a secured ambience.

Reasserting that they are proud brothers and sisters of Indian people, connected by history, culture, and shared values, the association expressed its eagerness ‘to work with government institutions, civil society, and international partners for a peaceful future’. Affirming that New Delhi’s support can change the future of millions of oppressed Baloch-lives and also strengthen India's historic role as a defender of truth, justice, and rights of all people, the letter concluded by adding slogans ‘Jai Hind! Long Live India! Long Live Free Balochistan! Long Live Baloch-India Brotherhood!’

In another letter to Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the association lauded the saffron leader for his recent comments on Balochistan as the sacred home of Hinglaj temple (Balochs affectionately call it Nani Mandir), which is recognised as one of the 51 revered Shakti-Peeths across Bharat. Expressing hope that a free and democratic Balochistan would bring stability and peace for the entire region, the forum stated, “We dream of a day when Indians will freely visit Shakti-peeth Hinglaj Mata Mandir in the heart of Balochistan, which is deeply revered by Hindus and Baloch alike. This vision can become a reality with New Delhi’s continued support for the Baloch freedom movement.”

Days back, a northeast India-based forum of nationalist citizens, Patriotic People’s Front Assam (PPFA), appreciated CM Sarma for highlighting the importance of Hinglaj Shakti-peeth in south-west Pakistan, citing the link with Kamakhya Devalaya atop Nilachal hills inside Guwahati on the souther bank of mighty river Brahmaputra. Nestled in the rugged terrains of Hingol National Park, the Hinglaj temple is believed to mark the spot where the forehead of Goddess Sati fell, making it one of the holiest sites in Shaktism, stated Sarma on his social media handle, adding that for centuries, Hindu pilgrims, particularly from the Sindhi, Bhavsar, and Charan communities, have undertaken arduous journeys across deserts to seek blessings at this shrine and thus Balochistan holds profound historical and spiritual significance for the Sanatani Hindus.

Five years back, the PPFA urged the central government to take necessary initiative for revitalizing the Hinglaj temple, which is connected to Kamrup Kamakhya legends. The sacred temple is located in a mountain cave on the bank of Hingol river, which is adjacent to the Makran coast of Arabian Sea. It has an idol of Goddess Shakti (Sati, daughter of Daksha Maharaj), who married Lord Shiva against her father’s wish. Mythology narrates that in an important Yagna, organized by proud king Daksha, Sati (Parvati) and Shiva were not invited, but she wanted to attend the ritual. Daksha humiliated Shiva in front of her and facing disgrace, Sati immolated herself.

Angry Maheswar arrived there and cut Daksha's head. Then Mahadev took Sati’s corpse on his shoulder and started wandering with Tandava Nritya. Finally with an aim to douse Shiva’s rage, Lord Vishnu cut Sati's mortal remains into 51 pieces through Sudarsan Chakra. Body parts of Sati fell in various localities on Earth and all locations are today regarded as shrines by the Hindus, said the PPFA statement adding that Sati’s forehead with Hingul (sindoor/ vermillion) fell on the place, where the Hinglaj temple is located. The most sacred part (Yoni) fell on Nilachal hills of present-day Guwahati, where the Kamakhya temple is situated, added the PPFA.

---

*Senior journalist based in Guwahati

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