Reposted from DailyTimes.com.pk | February 19, 2012 | Story

Marri went a step forward in his demand for an "˜independent' Balochistan, saying that the Baloch were spearheading a "˜freedom movement' and not a separatist drive.

LAHORE: As the government called a US congressman's bill for an "˜independent' Balochistan an "˜attack' on Pakistan's sovereignty, Baloch nationalist leader Harbiyar Marri said the resolution was a "˜positive move' aimed at ending Baloch people's grievances.

In an interview with a private TV channel, Harbiyar said efforts for a "˜sovereign' Balochistan should have been made quite earlier as the Baloch had suffered a lot because of the "˜Pakistan government sponsoring terrorism in the province'.

Asked if they wanted to use the US as a launchpad for their "˜separatist movement', Marri said, "We are making allies. We have told them about our grievances. We have told them about ground realities." Marri went a step forward in his demand for an "˜independent' Balochistan, saying that the Baloch were spearheading a "˜freedom movement' and not a separatist drive.

Asked if he represented all of the Baloch, Marri said, "I don't represent all of them. But the entire Balochistan wants freedom."

Accusing Pakistani government of killing several Baloch people, he said presentation of the bill in the US House of Representatives was a result of sacrifices rendered by the Baloch.

Marri said he did not believe that the problems of Balochistan could be resolved through legislation in assemblies. "The Baloch will not get their rights [from assemblies]. I had been to parliament in the past but would not repeat that mistake," he said. daily times monitor

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Note: The historic bill introduced by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher comes on the heels of several high-level meetings between diaspora stakeholders and a January 7, 2012, meeting attended by Khan of Kalat Suleman Daud, Institute of World Politics (IWP) founder and president John Lenczowski, board member Paul Behrends and a U.S. Congressional delegation.

Hairbyar Marri and Khan of Kalat Suleiman Daud meet in Cardiff in February, 2012, to discuss proposed freedom charter.

Hairbyar Marri and Brahamdagh Bugti meet in Geneva in February, 2012, to discuss proposed freedom charter. Photo: BUC News

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