Baloch nation observed black day on seventeenth anniversary of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons

Pro-freedom Baloch parties observed a black day and shutter-down strike in Balochistan on 17^th anniversary of Pakistan’s nuclear explosions on Thursday.

Balochistan’s pro-liberation political parties had given the call for a shutter-down protest and to observe 28 May as a “Day of Mourning” to express their dislike for Pakistan’s deadly nuclear weapons.

Protest rallies and demonstration were held in Balochistan’s capital Quetta, Kalat, Nushki, Chagai, Panjgur, Turbat, Mastung and other areas to de-celebrate the Youm-e-Takbeer in Balochistan. The participants of rallies and chanted slogans against the Pakistan government. They held signs and placards in their hands inscribed with different slogans against nuclear explosions in Chaghai, Balochistan.

Angry mobs also burnt tyres to block the roads in Panjgur, Noshki and other adjoining areas suspending the traffic to other regions whereas in Turbat and Dasht Baloch women and children also took part in anti-nuclear rallies.

A spokesperson of the Baloch Salvation Front has said that 28 May is a black day for Baloch nation because Pakistan has violated Baloch people’s human rights in this day and conducted nuclear tests in Balochistan against the popular will of Baloch people.

In a statement to the press the BSF said, “The effects of nuclear radiation has spread in district Chaghai. Live of millions of people are at stake and there is an acute shortage of clean drinking water in many villages. Millions of worth plantation and farms were also destroyed because of the nuclear radiation. Many people are forced to migrate to different locations as the region is badly suffering after dourghts.”

Baloch intellectual Aziz-ul-Deen Baloch said that the day of 28 May holds a great importance for Pakistan and its security but for the people of Balochistan this day reminds them of Pakistan’s exploitive policies.

Talking to DW Mr Baloch said, “Different nations in Balochistan, particularly Baloch people, have always expressed their reservations against nuclear explosions in Chaghai. The government [Pakistan] did not honour any of its promises which they made prior to nuclear explosion in the region. The central government [of Pakistan] after the explosions gave no relief to the impoverished people of the area nor have they made any arrangements to protect the affected areas from the effects of radiation.”

Aziz-ul-Deen Baloch further said that after the nuclear explosion the government never paid no attention to the fact that how badly the nuclear tests have effect the people in the region.

He said, “The main question is that the test could be conducted any other part of Pakistan as well but why these blasts were not conducted anywhere else but in Balochistan?

“It is ridiculous that government has always fooled people of Balochistan with empty slogans but in practical terms paid no attention to solve the problems of Baloch people. The government needs to urgent measures against the effects of nuclear radiations in Chaghai and other effected areas and take practical steps to give relief to people.”

Abid Sanjarani the leader of a local social organisation, Chaghai Rights Movement (CRM), said that because of nuclear tests the level of underground water has decreased making it extremely difficult for people to survive and in life in the effected regions.

Speaking to DW Mr Sanjarani said, “People in Chaghai and surrounding areas are suffering from mysterious skin and diseases and the government did not provide any relief to the residents. There are still acute effects of radiation which are prone to various diseases.

“We appeal the government to take practical measures for the treatment of effected people and take effective measures to alleviate the effects of nuclear radiation.”

On 28 May, 1998 Pakistan tested its nuclear weapons in Balochistan becoming the seventh nuclear power in world. Pakistan chose Koh-e-Kambaran rage for these tests and dug a special underground tunnel for explosion and on 26, May, 1998, two days before the blasts, Pakistani forces sealed the entire region for barring public entry.

On afternoon of May, 28, Pakistan exploded its nuclear bomb in Balochistan. Thick brown smoke were spotted from miles away and the colour of Koh-e-Kambaran has first become white and later turn to yellow.