Balochis are now calling upon Narendra Modi to support their resistance movement against the state of Pakistan. Tara Chand Baloch, a former cabinet minister in Balochistan and the president of Washington-based Baloch American Congress, has made a direct and impassioned appeal to the Indian prime minister – to extend “meaningful support” to the cause of “a nation occupied, subjugated and terrorised by Pakistan”.
In an open letter shared on X, Chand accused Pakistan of perpetrating grave human rights violations in the restive province, such as enforced disappearances, torture, and systemic genocide of the Baloch people.
“Ruled by a jihadist army, this ill-conceived country is responsible for the disappearances, torture, death, and dislocation of thousands of my countrymen. This is part of the strategy adopted by Pakistan to crush the national liberation struggle of the Baloch, which we as a nation have been waging since the occupation of our homeland,” the letter reads.
The former minister also lauded Prime Minister Modi’s 2016 Independence Day speech, where he had referenced Balochistan from the Red Fort. He described it as a landmark moment that gave hope to the Baloch community.
He then went on to talk about the complex situation in the region, noting the growing influence of China through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. “The entry of China as a colonial power in the region poses an additional challenge for my Baloch people,” he said.
ThePrint has reached out to Tara Chand Baloch for comment. The article will be updated when he responds.
‘Free Balochistan is a blessing’
In his letter, Tara Chand Baloch expressed disappointment at the silence of the international community, attributing it to political, economic, and strategic interests. “Aside from the media in India,” he said, “there is little voice raised against the atrocities being committed by Pakistani state in Occupied Balochistan.”
Chand is concerned that Pakistan and its allies will unleash a new and darker phase of colonialism in Balochistan, which will crush the national resistance of the Baloch people. “That would be the saddest day for Mother India as a free Balochistan is the corner stone of this century becoming an Indian century,” Chand said, adding that “a free and friendly Balochistan will be a blessing for the peace-loving people of India.”
He further praised Modi’s decision to review the Indus Waters Treaty in light of the Pahalgam terror attack, which made it “clear to the jihadist generals of Pakistan that blood and water cannot flow together.”
Chand also urged the Indian government to mention “Pakistan-occupied Balochistan” in its speeches—a reference that could act as a “master stroke” against Pakistan.
“I assure you this would be a master stroke against the terrorist entity of Pakistan, which is likely to fall like a house of cards when you may kindly call out Pakistan for occupying Balochistan,” he said.
The Baloch American Congress was formed in 2020 and advocates for the Baloch people’s right to self-determination. It’s also a platform, as the website states, to fight and safeguard the socio-cultural and political rights of the Baloch diaspora in the United States, and it aims to raise international awareness around the Baloch national struggle.
The BAC is pushing to provide a structured forum for dialogue around and a rational analysis of the Baloch issue. Among its key goals are promoting the implementation of human rights as outlined in the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Needs to be carefully thought through. A question of sovereignty and territorial integrity. India has faced challenges, has very strong views on the subject.