After analyzing the current gathering-turned-protest in Balochistan led by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a debate has emerged over two constitutional rights: the right to assemble and the right to organize.
As a political entity, the BYC holds the right to assemble. Simultaneously, the current cabinet of the Government of Balochistan holds the right to organize.
A significant point of contention arose between the government and the BYC leadership regarding the venue selection for the BYC’s Grand Raji Muchi. The BYC chose Gwadar as the venue, which raised concerns for the government due to upcoming important visits by foreign delegations in Gwadar as CPEC entered its second phase.
The government proposed alternative venues for the BYC’s Baloch Raji Muchi, such as Turbat, which lies within the Makran Division just like Gwadar. However, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee refused. With a massive mobilization campaign, they insisted on Gwadar as the venue, calling on the masses to reach Gwadar at any cost. This led to a chaotic situation where both sides suffered serious injuries and even loss of lives. Ultimately, it was a loss for Balochistan, with bloodshed on both sides. Foreign media, including Indian activists, capitalized on the situation, promoting narratives that framed the clash as a serious conflict between the Armed Forces and the Baloch people. However, the reality was a disagreement between the Government of Balochistan and BYC leadership regarding the venue in Gwadar.
TBD, as a neutral watchdog, urges the BYC to adopt strategic thinking in its decisions. BYC should avoid taking reactionary actions. As a political entity trusted by the middle-class Baloch people, BYC has the potential to fill the void of strong political representation for the Baloch and should own this responsibility. It must think rationally and function within the constitutional framework, as failing to do so in the later stages of the protest has proven detrimental.
As for the government, it should initiate negotiations early on. Delaying negotiations only blurs the actual agenda and creates confusion among the masses.
