Thursday 6 October 2016

Why is Balochistan great deal for the Indians? What is the fuss about?

Why is Balochistan great deal for the Indians? What is the fuss about?


Balochistan is India's bargaining chip to contain Pakistan sponsored terrorism. 

Pakistan's largest province of Balochistan was comprised of 4 princely states - Kharan, Makran, Las Bela and Kalat. The Baloch tribes were fairly distinct from the other Indians - Sindhis and Punjabis. The leader of the most powerful unit of Balochistan - Khan of Kalat - tried to declare independence and this was crushed by Pakistan's military in 1948. There was even speculation that Kalat could join India as there were rumored talks between VP Menon and the Khan. 

While Balochistan was absorbed in 1948, they were still allowed local rule. However, as the Bengalis kept getting powerful, in 1954 the 4 units for West Pakistan - Balochistan, Punjab, Sindh and Afghania - were merged into one province to counterbalance east Pakistan - One Unit. This meant that the tribes of Balochistan lost their independence and thus disturbance became severe. In 1973, there was another huge clash and since 2005 there is the 5th another key struggle. 

Since India strongly believes that Pakistan threatens its sovreignity by sponsoring terrorism, there is a demand that India should help Baloch separatists as a tit-for-tat. I don't believe that India sponsors terrorism there, but India provides the threat. Real power comes from not having to fire your weapon. In fact, in case of both its large neighbors, India has leverage to remind them that playing separatist games in India can bring a quick tit-for-tat.

The threat of losing its largest province might convince Pakistan Army that status quo is not bad after all. None of us outside the military know what is India's real involvement in Balochistan, but I would not be surprised if India really cares about the region.

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