Also see from October 9, 2010: Brahamdagh, a thorn in Malik's side or . . . Why is Malik so struck with Brahamdagh?

by Khalid Hayat Jamaldini

Who do the invisible hands belong to who are behind the genocide of the Baloch people? Which hunter has chosen the Baloch as his prey? Who are these aliens who kidnap Balochi youth including members of the political parties, intellectuals, journalists, lawyers and civilians? Finally, who are these leeches sucking the lifeblood of its citizens in this neglected, oppressed, and poverty stricken nation?

Balochis are an ethnic group; indigenous to their ancient homeland of Balochistan and are being brutally murdered in their very own homeland. Meanwhile, the international community that claims to defend human right values and prevent human rights violations has thus far completely ignored the bitter and bloody reality on the ground in Baluchistan. It begs the question, why has the international community been blinded to these existential issues? This attitude and behavior is totally counter to the expectations of the oppressed Baluchi. Series of endless kidnappings and torture, leading to death, are vivid examples that reveal the miserable conditions of this troubled nation.

For example, during Eid al-Adha, traditional Islamic festivals, this tortured nation has mourned the loss of their beloved, instead of enjoying time with friends, family members and relatives.

Recently, nine Baluchi went missing and later during the Eid festival, their dead bodies were discovered. According to reliable anonymous sources, papers were found in the pockets of the victims, which read "Eid gift for the Baloch nation."

The majority of the victims were students and political activists, in their twenties. Among them was a young journalist, Lala Hamed Hayatan. In addition, on November 26, 2010, a shepherd in the Pishin district discovered six other bodies. The bodies had been discarded there several days earlier, and had subsequently become a food source for wild animals in the area. Due to the partially consumed and decomposed state of the bodies, it was extremely difficult to positively identify the victims.

It is worth noting that murders of Balochi people occur so frequently that it is common to hear the illiterate shepherds in the area say, "These are the dead bodies of Balochs."

Bearing witness to these unbearable events evokes numerous questions. Who do the invisible hands belong to, who are behind the genocide of the Balochs? Why have Balochs become the prey of these human vultures? Who are these aliens who kidnap Balochi youth including members of the political parties, intellectuals, journalists, lawyers and civilians? Finally, who are these leeches sucking the lifeblood from its citizens in this neglected, oppressed, and poverty stricken nation?

The question is: has anyone has taken any measure against these murderers? The short answer is no. Institutions in Pakistan neither take responsibility for nor will they investigate who is behind these kidnappings and killings. Not to mention, why these crimes are committed against an already oppressed people. Furthermore, what has been the role of human rights organizations, law enforcement agencies, judiciary and media towards killings of the Baloch people? Once again, none have played an active role either in preventing these brutal actions nor have they attempted to bring to justice those responsible. However, regarding other groups, a clear example that the media delivers its message to their leaders is that of Altaf Hussain, leader of the Muthaida Qaumi Movement. His telephonic address to the nation is shown live on Pakistani television. Their funerals are shown live via various television channels. However, when it comes to the Baloch people, the Pakistani media does not cover the protest of relatives and political activists whose loved ones and colleagues have been kidnapped or killed.

Why the disparity? Logically, two factors are behind this kind of ignorance. Both media and human rights organizations are either afraid of these institutions, especially law enforcement organizations, or they are complicit in this dirty game of kidnapping, torturing and the killing of the Baloch nation.

Since the occupation of Baluchistan in 1948 by Pakistan, Baluchistan is considered to be ruled by and firmly anchored by its tribal system. Pakistan claims that that due to its tribal system, Baluchistan lacks development due to people who hurdles created in the implementation of development projects. In the current scenario, the majority of the Baloch considers this statement a lame excuse because the majority of the chieftains are singing the tunes of the Pakistani government.

It is important to assert here that a few Baloch chieftains have sold the Baloch people to the Pakistani State. The current statement by the popular Baloch nationalist of the seventies, Sardar Attaullah Mengal, claims that actions should be taken against "these boys" pointing to the Baloch youth leaders who have begun to fight for Baloch rights. In a reply Mr. Mengal received the title of "LOYAL, PATRIOTIC PAKISTANI by Nawaz Sharrif, the leader of the Muslim League and a Punjabi. It was Mr. Mengal who initiated throwing out the Punjabi from the Balochistan during his regime. Reversing course, today he is defending the Punjabi but, not the Baloch people, who are being brutally butchered and no one is taking responsibility. Another example is the chieftain of my tribe. The paramilitary forces stop every vehicle that enters the village. They are checked and interrogated despite knowing full well that they had questioned the same vehicle an hour prior. However, the chieftain is released with an exchange of warm salute. This action is repeated on a daily basis.

In the past, the duties of the Balochi tribal chief were to take care of and protect its people. Currently, this is not the case. The paramilitary forces trespass its people's homes, try to break down their mud walls, kidnap, brutally torture and murder them. By appearances, the chief does not seem to care. His only reply is that "he will see what he can do."

It looks like the invisible forces and the crooked chieftains have become united to push back the Baloch nation, for today the Baloch nation is asking for its right for its identity and for its resources.

The writer belongs to Balochistan and writes on the issue of Balochistan for international and national websites and papers. He can be reached at khalidhayat77@yahoo.com