Heroes are often perceived in stark shades of black and white, yet their characters contain many shades of grey that need to be understood to fully comprehend their actions and behavior. This complexity is present in both fictional and real-life heroes. However, fictional heroes are often granted more leniency when they act out of character, as we are more accustomed to their heroic side and may struggle to accept that even heroes can make mistakes.In recent months, Balochistan has seen the rise of Mahrang Baloch, who has emerged as both a hero and a liberator for the Baloch people. She has become a symbol of female empowerment, giving voice to the oppressed and marginalized communities, especially the Baloch.
In recent days, Balochistan’s political and security landscape has been drastically altered by the actions of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a terrorist organization motivated by a pro-separatist ideology. The group has committed severe atrocities against civilians, both Baloch and Punjabi, and has destroyed infrastructure, including roads and railway tracks. They have also set up blockades at various locations, hindering public movement and instilling widespread fear. It is important to note that some individuals label these actions as part of an insurgency. However, this perspective overlooks a critical distinction: insurgencies typically aim for political control without resorting to indiscriminate violence, though they may employ some terrorist tactics. However, when such violence becomes widespread and targets civilians, it crosses the line into terrorism.
While the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has historically enjoyed overt public support, their actions in the last few days have extinguished much of that backing from within Balochistan, effectively marking them as a terrorist group. This has led to Mahrang Baloch finding herself in hot waters. Many once saw her as a courageous and daring voice for the rights of oppressed communities, while others perceived her as being aligned with the political objectives of the BLA. However, due to her silence on the current wave of indiscriminate barbaric savagery perpetrated by the BLA, Mahrang’s heroic status has taken a hit. This is especially true within liberal and left-wing political circles in the country, where not only is the BLA being condemned, but Mahrang is also being called out for her silence on the matter.
Nevertheless, it is important to understand local Baloch sentiments regarding Mahrang Baloch before arriving at a conclusion on whether to cancel her or not. Since the latter half of 2023, Mahrang has been actively engaged in grassroots activism. She has met with the families of missing persons, organized protests on their behalf, and consistently advocated for their rights on both national and international platforms. This has made her a prominent figure in Baloch public discourse. Despite the criticism from liberal and left-wing circles for her silence on recent attacks, the Baloch public still hold her in high regard. This suggests a divide between the indeginous Baloch supporters and the and the more urban, liberal critics.
To conclude, one must recognize that Mahrang Baloch is a modern hero of Balochistan, and like all heroes, she is capable of making misjudgments. However, instead of denouncing her, we should acknowledge the positive aspects of her character and encourage her to clarify her stance by publicly denouncing the BLA. This will ensure that the movement for Baloch rights remains strong and that those who genuinely need our support are not left in uncertainty.
