13 November: Baloch Martyrs Day

By: Qaazi Baloch

The world has an enormous history of struggle, sacrifices and wars. During this large period, man has witnessed so many events and circumstances. Among them, one is the colonial era. In order to get rid of colonialism, many have sacrificed their precious lives for the sake of bright future of their nation. Like other enslaved nations of the world, the Baloch, historically, have been colonized by Europeans and, currently by Pakistan and Iran.

Baloch, in the eastern part of Balochistan, have been struggling for seven decades to regain their independence. Thousands of Baloch have sacrificed their lives for a united and independent Balochistan. In order to commemorate, the bravery and sacrifices of those who laid their lives for the freedom of Balochistan, the Baloch nation has decided to select 13 November as the day to pay homage to Baloch national martyrs.

Article 70 of Balochistan Liberation Charter (BLC) declares that “the date selected for national remembrance of the heroes of our liberation struggle and their ultimate sacrifice for regaining our independence will be on 13 of November. On this day in 1839 Mir Mehrab Khan and many of his soldiers lost their lives while defending Balochistan against the invading army of British Empire.”

The Balochistan Liberation Charter is a historic document that Baloch nation has adopted and endorsed as the road map of the Baloch freedom movement.

In addition, pro-freedom political parties in Balochistan and abroad have been commemorating this day every year to inform the world about Baloch liberation struggle and the Baloch’s nation’s determination to continue the mission of martyrs till victory.

The National Remembrance Day is dedicated to those national heroes who have been martyred by the Pakistani and Iranian terrorist Armies. The martyrs’ day is solemnized by different nations in order to salute their national heroes. Baloch, like other nations, also celebrates martyrs day on 13 November every year.

This shows respect for those who have sacrificed their lives for the nation’s bright future. This day is celebrated to give equal status to all martyrs. The famous slogan of Baloch political parties in general and FBM, in particular, is that there is no any SHAH-e-SHAHEEDAN but all martyrs are equal.

To sum up, Baloch nation every year celebrates the martyrs’ day with full national zeal and pledges keep the torch of freedom burning until they succeed in their goal and regain the independence of Balochistan. Those nations that respect their martyrs can easily break the yoke and chains of slavery. It is the sacrifices of martyrs and fallen heroes and commitment of freedom fighters that scare the colonial regimes to death and forces them to surpass the limits of barbarism and savageness.

It is a huge sacrifice that one is ready to give his life for a bright future of his or her nation. The Baloch nation has opted to resist the occupation and colonisation of their motherland and Baloch are adamant to continue their liberation struggle till the mission of Baloch Martyrs is accomplished.

Baloch pro-freedom parties, like all other free-born nations and suppressed nations who are fighting for their freedom, must adopt, endorse and promote this day. It is a day of rejoicing, a day of reckoning, a day of renewing our pledge that we will not let the blood of martyrs go in vain and avenge each drop of their blood with freedom of Balochistan.