The vital role of Baloch women

Ganjain Baloch

Whether it is Kurdistan, Vietnam or other oppressed nations fighting for independence, the important role of women has been seen in each of them who have contributed in the struggle in various ways. Balochistan is no exception. Baloch women lead protest rallies, took out marches and spread awareness about the plight of their nation. Even illiterate women in Baloch society are aware of their right to freedom.

Similarly, women’s struggle in Balochistan is not ignored whether it is Banuk Bandi Baloch or Hani and Shakar Bibi Baloch and Karima, every mother, sister or daughter has also rendered their services in the Baloch movement in their capacity.

From little girls to old aged mothers, they joined the struggle and exposed the aggression of the enemy.

One of such inspirational women was Dadi Gahnwari Marri who not only personally joined protests but she also encouraged her family’s females and her neighbours to come out in streets and at press clubs to show their anger and disapproval of Pakistani forces atrocities in Balochistan.

The services of all Baloch women will always be remembered in Baloch history and their courageous stand will continue to inspire thousands of others.

Gahnwari Marri had been an active supporter of Baloch freedom movement since the 70s when Bhutto ordered large scale military and airstrikes in Balochistan and later Shah of Iran also lend his support to Pakistanis who were at the verge of defeat.

Our elders tell us Bibi Gahnwari used to tend wounded Marri Baloch and provide ration to the men who had taken to mountains to defend their villages, livestock and families against Pakistani army’s aggression.

However, with help of Iran and use of air force Pakistani troops killed thousands of Baloch and forced the remaining fighters to come out of their hideouts by holding their women and children hostage. Dadi Gahnwari like thousands of other Marri Baloch women was among the hostages. Even then she stopped Pakistan army from harming women and children by putting rocks on the army’s way to block their advance and pelting stones at them.

Under orders from Bhutto, Pakistan army arrested thousands of Marri Baloch and shifted them to a military concentration camp in Kohlu. Gahwari’s four sons and many relatives were among them. At those difficult times, she acted as the guardian of the house and looked after her family and others.

It must be remembered that it was Bhutto’s era when several men were crucified. Marri Baloch were subjected unimaginable torture. Many were dropped from helicopters while others were tied to military vehicles and dragged, alive, from one village to the other.

When the Marri Baloch people migrated to Afghanistan in the 70s and 80s, the family of this Baloch mother was also among them. On their way to Afghanistan, the so-called mujahidin looted their convoys and beaten up people including women and children.

After Mujahidin’s defeat, Dr Najibullah ruled for a few years and then the Taliban took over Afghanistan. They ordered the Baloch refugees to leave Afghanistan. 

Upon their arrival from Afghanistan back to Balochistan, Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri started study circles from Haq Tawar’s platform. He educated the Baloch youth and taught them about the importance of freedom. He held the circles mostly in Quetta but occasionally he visited Machh, Bolan and Sibbi to speak at public events.

When Musharraf took power, first of all, he implicated Nawab Marri and his sons and their followers in trumped-up charges and ordered the arrest of hundreds of Marri Baloch from New Kahan Quetta. Bibi Gahnwari’s relatives including her sons were among them. She as usual encouraged the residents not to give up their struggle and continue to demand the release of their loved ones. 

I am deeply saddened to hear of her tragic physical separation from us because she was an ideal and true inspiration for women.

Balochistan’s mothers, sisters and daughters lost their loved one but instead of becoming weak, their determination and resolve got stronger.

Just as the death of Karima Baloch was not less than a tragedy, so is the sudden demise of Bibi Gahnwari.  They live in our hearts and continue to guide and inspire us.