The situation in Balochistan has worsened over the last few days. Balochistan has long been known for its democratic and national struggle. Human rights organizations have repeatedly expressed concern over human rights violations in the region. The Pakistani State has faced significant setbacks from the Baloch due to its failed policies. Recently, the Baloch National Gathering, Baloch Raaji Muchi, was announced by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, a widely recognized public movement. This democratic movement was expected to take place peacefully. However, the Pakistani State has always dealt with just issues with force, and when it comes to Baloch movements, they have always been met with mutilated bodies, enforced disappearances, kill-and-dump policies, raids, torture, and intimidation.

Pakistan considers itself a democratic country and is a signatory to the United Nations, but it fears democratic movements, especially from oppressed and marginalized nations. The Baloch National Gathering was met with roadblocks, indiscriminate firings, arrests, shutdowns of internet and mobile networks, and baton charges by the state. As a result, multiple people were injured and killed, and many public properties were burnt and broken by state forces.

Historically, the Baloch have always stood against injustice and have chosen resistance. When people were hindered from participating in the Baloch National Gathering, they chose to resist this immoral and undemocratic act by the state. Protests emerged across Balochistan, public rallies took place, and shutter-down and wheel-jam strikes were observed, disrupting all activities.

Peaceful protests met by force

Mahrang Baloch, the leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, addressed the public in Gwadar, the port city, saying, "On one hand, the state asks for negotiations, and on the other hand, it has guns to shoot us." Parliamentarians in Balochistan have been widely rejected by the public, who label them as touts of the establishment. They have always been in support of dealing with peaceful movements with force.

When the Baloch Raaji Muchi was announced through a press conference by the members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, it was expected that the State would employ its immoral and unethical policies to hinder the National Gathering. As the decision to hold the National Gathering was wholeheartedly welcomed by all Baloch, its preparation was voluntarily participated in by every Baloch in one way or another.

Similarly, as this historical moment approached, the state activated its machinery to stop the National Gathering. It made its propaganda tools active on different social media accounts, spreading false statements about the march and misinformation. Not only this, but it also activated its local death squads, parliamentary goons, media, and armed forces. This is yet another bitter experience for the Baloch from the state.

Fueling public anger

A democratic movement should not be a threat to the State's sovereignty. All parties and organizations hold public gatherings and programs; why does the State fear a gathering owned by the whole of Balochistan? At the end of the day, it is the State that has called for negotiations. If the ultimate goal is to negotiate, why did the State worsen the situation and create security risks?

Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman, a member of the provincial assembly, said that he was not consulted about the steps taken by the State. Zahoor Buledi, another MPA, shared on social media, "The National Gathering was not a big deal. The State should have allowed it to take place peacefully."

The Pakistani State is losing Balochistan, a rich and large land, yet poor and marginalized.  Due to its failed policies, a peaceful gathering was turned into a battlefield, fueling public anger in an already troubled area.  A State that calls itself democratic must not fear democratic movements.

Concern for the future

According to the BYC, "A heavy contingent of police was deployed outside the Karachi Press Club on Thursday to stop the press conference of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee." In different parts of the province, protesters were wildly baton-charged and arrested by the forces, while the State was calling for negotiations. It seems that the state is not serious about addressing public concerns.

Keyya Baloch, a journalist, wrote in The Diplomat, "By using force against a peaceful movement with large public support, the Pakistani government risks driving more Baloch youth toward violent insurgency." Zahid Hussain, an author, wrote in Dawn, "One has to listen to what Mahrang Baloch and other Baloch leaders are saying. They just want the State to stop enforced disappearances... If these saner voices are suppressed, there will be no hope for the future."

Such behavior from the Pakistani State is a concern for the future of Balochistan. It will be difficult for it to regain what it is losing. Pakistan needs to thoroughly review its policies in Balochistan; otherwise, it may not be long before another Bangladesh is born.

(The author is a student of sociology in Turbat, Balochistan, Pakistan. Views are personal. He can be contacted at ferozrahim1997@gmail.com)