‘Radicalisation in Pak has hit Balochistan badly’
Defence expert Sushant Sareen welcomed India’s move to raise human rights violation by Pakistan in Balochistan, but insisted that India firmly sticks to its stand.
“Pakistan was never a trustworthy country and they have always betrayed India. Insurgency in Kashmir is a living example before all of us,” he said addressing students at Lucknow University during a roundtable discussion on ‘Human Rights and Economic Challenges in Balochistan’. It was conducted by Prof MK Agarwal, director of Dr Shanker Dayal Sharma Institute of Democracy in LU.
Sareen stated that Balochistan shares borders with three countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran. “We need to focus on Pakistan forcefully holding Balochistan, where the society is basically tribal. These tribes have their own Sardars who have the power to administer and take care of law and order. They are not united and often fall prey to Pakistan’s evil design and fail to administer properly. Democracy is just on paper there,” he said.
According to him, Indian civilisation had existed up to Balochistan earlier. “Pakistan has indulged in spreading terrorism and for this it has been luring youths and radicalising them. This is a cause of concern for India and others. This radicalisation has hit Balochistan badly.”
“Balochistan has been agitating for freedom since last seven decades. But due to poor coordination and lack of unity their movement has not been strong enough to challenge Pakistan’s suppressive attitude,” he said.
Mayor Dinesh Sharma said India has had age-old and sustainable ties with Balochistan. “Their cause has been taken up effectively ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue on Independence Day and the external affairs minister raised in United Nations General Assembly. Now, the international community is also watching excesses on Balochistan by the Pakistan army and rulers who are brazenly violating human rights there,” he said.
Lucknow University vice-chancellor Prof SB Nimse said development in Balochistan is not possible without peace. “India must ensure peace there with stern action. This will help Balochistan people get their rights.”
Pakistan has indulged in spreading terrorism and for this it has been luring youths and radicalising them. This is a cause of concern for India and others. This radicalisation has hit Balochistan badly SUSHANT SAREEN, Defence expert