Balochistan: Chabahar Free Zone Organization Under Fire for Seizing Indigenous Lands

DOZZAAP (ZAHEDAN): Residents of Chabahar in Iranian-occupied Balochistan have voiced strong opposition to the Free Zone Organization, accusing it of seizing indigenous lands and prioritising the interests of non-residents and foreign nationals over the development and well-being of the local Baloch population.

According to the Baloch Activists Campaign, the Free Zone Organization has been systematically selling and destroying land that belongs to the indigenous Baloch people, with little regard for their ownership rights. Residents claim that local authorities and agencies have been complicit in supporting these actions, turning a blind eye to the exploitation of land and resources in the region.

The Baloch Activists Campaign reported noted, “The Free Zone Organization has been operating in a manner that undermines the legal and constitutional rights of the indigenous Baloch people. Their policies and actions contradict the principles outlined in the Islamic Republic’s constitution.” This pattern of land seizures and transfers has been particularly noticeable in the village of Tis, where residents have witnessed firsthand the negative effects of these policies.

In response to growing concerns, the Attorney General visited the region to investigate the matter. However, most locals remain unconvinced, believing that the judicial inquiry is unlikely to address the core issues. “It seems the judicial system is more supportive of the Free Zone Organization than of the people’s rights,” residents says. Additionally, many have expressed frustration over the lack of attention to the region’s developmental needs, which they argue have been overshadowed by the ongoing land grabs.

One of the main points of contention for local residents is the transfer of seized lands to foreign nationals. The population believes that this practice undermines their rights and exacerbates economic inequality. As the situation has worsened, many locals have expressed regret over their previous indifference, now realising that their land and livelihoods are at risk.

The controversy has intensified with the implementation of the “Makran Coast Seizure Project,” also known as the “Balochistan Coastal Development.” This government initiative has seen large swaths of land along Balochistan’s coastline, particularly in Chabahar County, being confiscated. The lands are being sold or transferred to non-residents and foreign nationals, further displacing the indigenous Baloch population.

In light of these unjust and illegal activities, Baloch residents call for immediate action to safeguard their rights and restore their land. The growing backlash signals that the Baloch people are no longer willing to remain passive in the face a direct assault on their rights and heritage.