Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India and Its Neighborhood, Issue: Escalating Violence in Balochistan.
Context:
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launched coordinated attacks across at least nine districts of Balochistan, targeting police stations, military outposts, and a high-security prison in Quetta.
Key Takeaways:
| About Balochistan: Balochistan lies mostly in western Pakistan but also extends into southeastern Iran. It is the traditional homeland of the Baloch people, after whom it is named. The Pakistani province named Balochistan covers an area of 347,190 sq.km. It is the country’s largest but least populated province. Its capital is Quetta. |
Background:
- Strategic Importance: Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest province, rich in mineral resources, and shares borders with Iran and Afghanistan. It is also a key route for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
- Mineral Wealth: Balochistan holds significant reserves of copper, gold, oil, gas, coal, and other minerals.
- CPEC: The $60-billion CPEC, linking China’s Xinjiang region to Pakistan’s Gwadar port, passes through Balochistan, making the region strategically important for both countries.
- Historical Grievances: Balochistan has witnessed several waves of rebellion since its annexation by Pakistan in 1948.
- Emergence of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA): The latest phase of the insurgency began in the early 2000s with the emergence of the BLA.
Pakistan’s Accusations Against India:
- Blaming India: Islamabad has frequently blamed India for the Baloch insurgency.
- Designation as ‘Fitna al-Hindus-tan’: Following the Jaffar Khan Express attack, Pakistan formally designated Baloch militant groups as ‘Fitna al-Hindus-tan’.
- India’s Rejection: India has consistently rejected any involvement, stating that Pakistan should focus on addressing the long-standing demands of its people in the region.
Conclusion:
The conflict in Balochistan is a complex issue with deep-rooted historical, political, and economic causes. The recent escalation of violence highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the grievances of the Baloch people, promotes economic development, and ensures respect for human rights.
Source: (The Hindu)
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