In light of recent events surrounding the sit-in protest organised by Baloch Yakjaeti, which initially originated in Turbat to demonstrate support for Balach Baloch, the movement evolved and expanded under the leadership of Dr. Mahrung and other prominent Baloch female activists such as Sami Deen and reached its climax in Islamabad. On January 23, 2024, the participants of the Baloch Yakjaeti March formally announced the conclusion of their sit-in protest in the capital city.
Cost-benefit analysis (Baloch sit-in):
Firstly, the entire sit-in poses a very pertinent question: What did the organisers of the protest actually achieve from the large-scale demonstrations and weeks-long sit-in protest? For a brief moment, the protestors gained national attention and support for a noble cause. That fleeting moment, however, was hijacked by ultra-nationalists and the apologists of militant organizations. Sadly, in the cacophony of sit-ins, Balach Baloch and other victims, along with their families, got lost.
Secondly, the whole exercise led by Mahrung and other Baloch female activists like Sami Deen only yielded personal PR but no tangible outcomes. Once again, the families of the missing persons and their genuine concerns remained unheard due to the inexperience and shortsighted vision of those leading the protest in Islamabad.
Despite the fact that it was a time when the entire Pakistani nation, irrespective of their ethnicity, stood with the Baloch people and advocated for a solution to the decade-long issue of missing persons, unfortunately, the movement’s leadership overplayed their hand and rejected proposed initiatives from government authorities. This time, it wasn’t the government stakeholders but the short-sighted leadership of the movement that was to blame. Mahrung’s stubbornness during negotiations exposed her inclinations towards illegitimate and violent methods used by militants like Herbiyar Marri.
The end state is despondency among the people of Balochistan and an increased sense of belief that militancy is the only way forward. Such antics are going to condemn another generation to violent armed conflict.
The sole solution to this genuine issue is possible through democratic and political means. Remember, the protest proved one thing only: that democratic means are the most potent force, especially once supported by the rest of the nation. Despite their refusal to engage in negotiations and missing a golden opportunity to resolve the issue, there is still time for the Baloch leadership to reevaluate and rekindle their engagement with the centre and seek a solution to the issue of missing persons.
