Baloch comrades must not ignore anti-Shia terrorists making inroads in Baloch nation – by Ali Ahsan
Related Articles: Don’t take human rights lessons from Iran and Saudi Arabia – by Qudsia Siddiqui
ISI-sponsored Baloch Jundullah-LeJ terrorists kill Shia judge, guard, driver in Quetta
Shia Killings and Baloch Nationalists: A response to Ali Ahsan
Baloch friends must not promote thugs who misrepresent Shia genocide as ethnic issue
In recent years, we have seen Balochistan become engulfed in a multi-layered conflict in Pakistan’s increasingly complex Post-9/11 predicament.
From separatist militancy (or the struggle for freedom, using the Baloch nationalist discourse), history of military operations, FC (Frontier Corps of Pakistan army) heavy handedness, human rights abuses, deliberate purging of ‘settlers’ (mostly of Punjabi, Saraiki, Sindhi and Urdu-speaking backgrounds), we have also seen an increasingly dangerous aspect of an apparent Shia genocide that has plagued the rest of Pakistan too.
One can easily say that amid violence and chaos in Balochistan, there is even more chaos and intrigue that goes far below the surface too.
One aspect is the role of the anti-Shia terror of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) as well as its “allies” or “mentors” in the rebranded Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (formerly Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan) in Balochistan.
Initially when the reports of target killings of Shias including Hazara and non-Hazara Shias, began in the last decade in Quetta, the usual suspects, thanks to mainstream stereotypes, were the Pashtun-dominated Taliban and their LeJ-ASWJ-SSP allies whose presence in Pashtun parts of Quetta and Pashtun districts of north-east Balochistan became the talk of town.
However, the increasing intensity of the Shia genocide in Balochistan has taken a disturbing twist: a careful analysis of available information (news reports, videos, demographics) would reveal that while some acts of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi terror acts in Balochistan are caused by radicalized Pashtuns or Punjabis, most are done by local radicalized Baloch. While the masterminds may be based in Jhang or Rawalpindi, the actual footsoldiers happen to be the newly emerging sectarian breed of Balochs.
This author spoke briefly with various senior journalists from Quetta (whose name he would prefer not to disclose) many months back, and he was surprised when almost all the journalists and reporters revealed that majority of LeJ operations and planning is taking place in Baloch-concentration areas.
It was also revealed that whenever local police attempted to do search operations in wake of Shia killings in Quetta, their information almost always led them to raid the Baloch areas of Sariyab Road each and every time – and some of the killings of Shias have also taken place in that very area.
Now it is also apparent that areas like Sariyab Road are considered a hub of Baloch nationalist-separatist activity, but the LeJ dimension of Sariyab Road adds another twist in the tale.
I know that this blog (LUBP) sympathises and supports Baloch struggle for separation/freedom, however, it should also consider that anti-Shia sectarian militancy is also making inroads in Baloch nation.
A viral video has made rounds online where a Quetta bus carrying Shia pilgrims was stopped by masked terrorists in Mastung (September 2011), and where all Shias (including Hazara and non-Hazara Shias) in the bus were rounded up and shot dead in cold blood. Upon closer inspection of that video, it turns out that the killers of those Shia pilgrims were not speaking Pashtu or Punjabi – as the common stereotype is – but Brahvi mixed with some Balochi. Brahvi speaking people are an integral part of the Baloch nation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Irg8bsIhMA
In recent times the Baloch city of Mastung – an traditional stronghold of Baloch politics – has become a hotbead of anti-Shia killings and many deadly acts of terror have been carried out against Shias in and around Mastung where the local language is both Brahvi and Balochi.
This surprising new dimension made the author approach some local Bangulzai people of Mastung (names withheld), and even they confirmed that yes, LeJ terror acts are carried out by local radicalized Baloch militants. They even said that the Mastung streets are now littered with anti-Shia wall chalkings in many localities.
The recent bold show of Muhammad Malick on Dunya with Amir Mateen talking about Shia Genocide in Balochistan also revealed that LeJ was taking hold in otherwise secular Baloch nation; he also the names of the LeJ activists roaming free and carrying out their dirty deeds – all of the names were Baloch (e.g., Saifullah Kurd and Shafeeq Rind who escaped high security anti terrorist jail in Quetta cantonment with the alleged connivance of the security agencies).
Listen to Amir Mateen in the above video at 04:30 “All of the sectarian terrorists nabbed in Balochistan are 100% Baloch. Religious extremism is being spread in the otherwise tolerant Baloch nation.”
Such revelations from diverse sources, mixed with careful examination of news reports of Shia Genocide in Balochistan, and a bit of independent research makes the Baloch-dimension of the killings become a real shocking and disturbing aspect of the country-wide Shia genocide taking place in Pakistan, right from Quetta to Gilgit and from Karachi to Parachinar.
As earlier stated, Mastung is a Baloch city and that is a LeJ-ASWJ-SSP stronghold now. Of course, several of such radicalized anti-Shia Balochs are working as mercenaries in Saudi-Bahrain suppression of pro-democracy demonstrations in Bahrain. Some of them are also aligned with Jundullah, have racist tendencies against entire Iranian nation (instead of Iranian ruling elites) and mourn when Jundullah terrorists were nabbed by Iran. Baloch Nationalist Front (BNF) and others officially declared mourning for the execution of Abdul Malik Rigi, who was Iranian version of Pakistan’s Malik Ishaq or Iraq’s version of Abu Musab Zarqawi, in hatred and murder of Shias. Here are two of several incidents of Shia genocide conducted and claimed by Jundullah: 32 Shias were killed on Imam Hussain’s birthday in Zahidan in July 2010, and another 38 were killed in December 2010 in an attack on Imam Hussain Mosque.
Balochs have been very tolerant to Shias and other minority groups. Hindus have lived most peacefully in Balochistan.. Baloch-Brahvi society always been heterogenous, all-welcoming. I knew plenty in real life, they are lovely folk. However, radicalized Balochs do not represnt all Balochs; same way a few Punjabi/Pashtun degenerates do NOT represent all Pashtuns and Punjabis. I am NOT judging whole of Baloch nation as “sectarian monsters” as I dont judge Pashtuns Punjabis either.
According to the author’s own opinion, it is important to understand the complete story of Shia genocide in Balochistan including: (a) Shia genocide in Balochistan cannot be seen in isolation from the Shia killings taking place in the rest of the country; (b) Shias of all ethnic backgrounds, not just Shia Hazaras, are being target killed by LeJ terrorists in Balochistan; (c) LeJ terrorists cannot be seen in isolation from ASWJ-SSP and the Taliban; and (d) LeJ terrorists have been able to make inroads in sectarian segments of the Baloch nation; and (e) role of FC and Pakistan army in discrediting the Baloch national struggle by radicalising them cannot be ruled out; (f) possible synergy between extremist Baloch nationalists and LeJ cannot be ruled out to further weaken Pakistani State’s writ in Balochistan; (g) the closer link between Baloch nationalists and rabidly anti-Shia Jundullah cannot be ignored.
I want to emphasize that Baloch nationalists must act against these sectarian savages that are getting powerful in society. This is also a challenge for secular Balochs to take firm stand against State-sponsored LeJ militants in Balochs.
It is often though of that the Baloch are traditionally very secular and easy going as far as religion goes – which is true (e.g. BSO is reported to be against the religious radicalization of the Baloch society) – but it is also said that the Brahvi-Baloch tend to be more religious of them all (many of them follow Deobandi sect; some also work in LeJ), and such a sectarian dimension of Baloch involvement and agonisingly close proximity with traditional hubs of Baloch nationalist-separatist groups begs a few more disturbing questions not only from the State but also from Baloch nationalists.
NOTE: The views expressed in the article are by the author alone based on his own research, interviews, and interactions with people from Balochistan over the last 7-8 months. The author tweets @Suprah_ The article was edited and some ideas inserted by the LUBP publishing editor for better clarity and objectivity.
Some comments on Twitter
Farooq Ahmed Khan @Gilgiti
you are cent percent right sectarian militancy in Baloch rising fastMohammad Taqi @mazdaki
LeJ in Balochistan is a replay of State using Hikmatyar-types to undermine nationalist cause.Baloch comrades must take noteBalochFaryad @BalochFaryad
State countered Pashtun Nationalism by promoting religious extremism in tht society same formula being applied in Baloch SocSohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
LeJ is supported by Shafeeq Mengal who is involved in Killing hundreds of Baloch activists.Abdul Nishapuri @AbdulNishapuri
The Baloch nation is generally averse to radical Islamism. A few Brahvi/Baloch militants in LeJ-ASWJ do NOT represent all Balochs. Baloch nationalists must also act against LeJ sectarian savages that are making inroads in Baloch nation.Ahad Hussain @ahadhussain
Heard similar thing that recent Shia killing in Qta is by baloch fanction of LEJ to make IP Gas line impossibleAli Haider @QuettaSettler
call them whatever you want, LeJ or PeJ, the fact is they r gang of criminals working for & r fed/protcted by #ISI. Dasht/Mastung areas are Headquarters of #ISIstooges; as per orders they attack shias or attack NATO supply lines.
A post from a Shia Hazara facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=439205982798173&set=a.237179356334171.75866.236915603027213&type=1
Mr. Shahzada Zulfiqar, Senior journalist, stated in a recent talk-show that Baloch LeJ Takfiris are involved in the killings, yet they are specific extremist group who do not represent all Baloch.
We urge our Baloch brethren to take notice of those involved in extremism and renounce/disown them.
بلوچ ملوث ہیں لیکن تمام بلوچ ایک جیسے نہیں، بلکہ بلوچوں کا ایک سیکشن ہے جو اس قسم کی حرکت کرتا ہے، جو سمجھتا ہے کہ ہم مسلمان ہیں باقی سب مسلمان نہیں۔
شہزادہ ذولفقار
This is one of the best articles on infiltration of sectarian menace in Balochs that I have read.
Contrary to other racist types, this does not stereotype Balochs.
Well done Ali Ahsan Suprah
BLA terrorists are killing Punjabi settlers in Quetta. They proudly claim their racist violence.
The author has been too mild on BLA terrorists. Shame.
A self-exiled Baloch activist is promoting an ISI-sponsored HDP thug who dilutes Shia genocide, divides Shia nation. The same Baloch activist also lanuched ad hominem attack on the author of this post through lies and false propaganda.
——
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
Having fake conversations on tweeter and airing your hatred is a trick that I know since the very first days of my joining twitter.
Saleem Javed @mSaleemJaved
@MirSohaib Baloch & Hazara nations have been very much subjected to persecution. Unity is needed more than ever. @anne_baluch @kuchuluchii
Retweeted by Sohaib Mengal Baloch
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
Having fake conversations on tweeter and airing your hatred is a trick that I know since the very first days of my joining twitter.
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
Me and @AbdulNishapuri had a debate the other day on racism by Iranians and same stuff appeared on LUBP authored by some XYZ. Guess why?
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
@mSaleemJaved that contributed a lot in my understanding of brutalities inflicted on Hazara nation. @anne_baluch @kuchuluchii
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
You may fool some liberals with fake accounts but not us.
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
That particular blog is stereotyping Baloch cause and colouring the secular Baloch as members of sectarian groups.
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
Just because I exposed the brutalities of Iranians on Baloch nation a particular blog is spewing venom against Baloch cause.
Abdul Nishapuri @AbdulNishapuri
@MirSohaib According to you, @Suprah_ is my account. Say it loud!
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
@AbdulNishapuri Yes that is what I said. @suprah_
@Suprah_
@MirSohaib @AbdulNishapuri my name is ALI AHSAN.
@MirSohaib @AbdulNishapuri my name is ALI AHSAN. I am chief editor of a website called FootballPakistan.Com for many years. I have written for Dawn about football in Pakistan. you can read my actual articles here http://dawn.com/author/dawnaliahsan/ this piece for LUBP was my first ever post on Balochistan. I have also written a piece for Pak Tea House about Bhoja Air crash http://pakteahouse.net/2012/04/23/disaster-porn-and-pakistani-media/ aap Waja logg bhi naa….
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Hamza Baloch @H_Balouch
@AbdulNishapuri Yar aisa tweet laibah ya tatom waly profiles sy kero iss sey nhi :p @Suprah_
Abdul Nishapuri @AbdulNishapuri
@H_Balouch According to you I am @tatom2k and @laibaah1 Good. @Suprah_
Tatom @tatom2k
#Idiotwatch hahahahahaha lol so this silly guy —-> @H_Balouch thinks that I am @Laibaah1 & @AbdulNishapuri good God @Suprah_
Abdul Nishapuri @AbdulNishapuri
In one day, various accounts @tatom2k @Suprah_ @Laibaah1 and an Israeli activist have been attributed to me. I will leave it to them. 🙂
Tatom @tatom2k
@AbdulNishapuri haha exactly I wonder what sense this @H_Balouch was using lol @Suprah_ @Laibaah1
Abdul Nishapuri @AbdulNishapuri
@tatom2k @Suprah_ Dear friends: There are several idiots around today. Just watch out and have fun 🙂
Tatom @tatom2k
@AbdulNishapuri @Suprah_ agreed 🙂
@Suprah_
@AbdulNishapuri I have known more Baloch footballers personally from Karachi than these exiled “sarmachar” have ever cared of 🙂
@Suprah_
@AbdulNishapuri I openly challenge them to call Baloch footballers from Lyari and Malir and ask “do you know about http://FootballPakistan.Com ?”
Tatom @tatom2k
@H_Balouch Since IK z so much active 4 #DualNationalitiy please accept us as “dual personality” LOL 😀 @Laibaah1 @Suprah_ @AbdulNishapuri
Abdul Nishapuri @AbdulNishapuri
@Suprah_ That’s beside the point. Instead of countering your post with arguments they resorted to ad hominem attacks. Shame! @tatom2k
@Suprah_
@AbdulNishapuri @tatom2k that’s exactly what I want! If they have a problem with what I said they should respond properly with facts as well
@Suprah_
@Niaz_betab you have the right to disagree with what I say but it has to be proper response rather than ad hominem attacks of 140 characters
23 Aug علی احسن @Suprah_
@Niaz_betab instead I saw “what is your agenda?” “you are maligning our struggle” “you are abdul nishapuri” “you are ISI agent” #Pathetic
As a Hazara, we know that many of those attacking us are coming from Baloch areas but they are ISI-puppets not Balcoh nationalists. Baloch nationalist just watch all of this silently because this only helps in their cause.
Very good comments by Anwar Changezi and other friends on Twitter:
I agree with @Suprah_ except on a cpl things. Plus we should avoid the narrative This narrative can harm both Shias and Balochs. The Balochs should nonetheless ensure their areas are clean of LeJ They should not support terrorists in the name of ethnicity. E.g. When Kashmirabad Imambargah attacker was killed It was an an ethnic issue, the Baloch owned the attacker
I am the first person to admit that Hazaras are infested with ISI agents. Hazaras have traditionally supported Army against Balochs. I admit.
Now can you also embrace the truths? Yes, most LeJ footsoldiers are Baloch. They are not Baloch nationalists, and are harming Baloch cause.
We condemn a few ISI-rats in Hazaras and some Balochs promote them. See the irony?
Baloch have never owned sectarian savages. That’s what LUBP’s stance too
But how many tribes have openly distanced themselves from LeJ?
And accept that LeJ with ISI help if gaining footholds in Baloch. DISOWN THEM.
Let me point out another irony. A LeJ-Baloch attacked a Shia Baloch (Allama Domki) And NO Baloch group spoke in favour of Allama Domki (a Shia). Why? Nahin Maan-na doesn’t mean BAYAT karna. Openly disown them. How many nawabs/sardars hv done?
How many nawabs/sardars have thrown LeJ militants out of their tribes? ACCEPT! Tomorrow if a Hazara Shia kills Baloch-LeJ members, you sure it wont turn ethnic?
We should accept the bitter truths. We are all imperfect members of a dirty system.
Whether Khaliq Hazara, Hussain Yasa, Hussain Yousafi, or Saleem Javed. They are all ISI rats.
And they are promoted by some so called Baloch activists right here in front of our eyes!
Principles have costs. One can’t be principled and privileged at the same time.
Yasa is Khaliq’s friend and dad. Based in Afghanistan. LUBP has a piece on him.
Nations’ enemy is not physical force. It’s their impatience, and being reactionary
I agree with most of what @Suprah_ has said. A couple of careless sentences at most. And a few areas where we ALL lack info.
I am so glad that LUBP published @Suprah_ post on Baloch-LeJ connection. It has started a much needed debate which was previously tabooed.
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
@AbdulNishapuri So now you your own self is colouring the sectarian killings as ethnic? #Shame
Saleem Javed @mSaleemJaved
“@MirSohaib: Not even a fool will associate Baloch nationalists with the goons and thugs of ISI backed LeJ but LUBP can.”
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
@Aushpaz You are welcome my support for Hazara people will always remain staunchly intact. #HazaraSMW @gedrosian
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
This man @AbdulNishapuri who alleges everyone of being ISI member himself seems one.
Anwar Changezi @anwarchangezi2
@AbdulNishapuri This is the most ridiculous things I have heard. And unexpectedly from @MirSohaib.
Hassan Abbas Waraich @HAWaraich
@AbdulNishapuri Hahahahaha 😀 yeh to LOL ho gaya @MirSohaib
——
Karrar @KarrarrHussain
@MirSohaib I can honestly tell you that I have known more about Baloch struggle through LUBP. I won’t hide that.
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
@KarrarrHussain My first platform was LUBP. I started writing from this blog but that doesn’t allow them to say foolish about our struggle.
Karrar @KarrarrHussain
@MirSohaib That’s what I am telling you, I came to know about Baloch struggle through LUBP. I thank them for it.
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
@KarrarrHussain Does that allow them to associate the enemies of Baloch/shia Hazaras with Baloch nationalists?
Karrar @KarrarrHussain
@MirSohaib Never. Can you show me where have they associated Baloch nationalists with LEJ?
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
@KarrarrHussain http://criticalppp.com/archives/224793 see the clever tactics of cleaning their ownselves and yet alleging others.
Karrar @KarrarrHussain
@MirSohaib Which line exactly? Which one? Have you sat and dissected each paragraph to write a rebuttal?
Karrar @KarrarrHussain
@MirSohaib If we dispute intellectually, I become an ISI agent?
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
@KarrarrHussain No if you allege everyone else of being ISI than we too have the rights.
Saleem Javed @mSaleemJaved
@MirSohaib Baloch & Hazara nations have been very much subjected to persecution. Unity is needed more than ever. @anne_baluch @kuchuluchii
Retweeted by Sohaib Mengal Baloch
Abdul Nishapuri @AbdulNishapuri
First he alleged I am @Suprah_, then allied with those who misrepresent #ShiGenocide as Hazara issue, then alleged I am an ISI agent. LOL
Zabardast, Ahsan Sahab.
@Cheema: “BLA terrorists are killing Punjabi settlers in Quetta. They proudly claim their racist violence.
The author has been too mild on BLA terrorists. Shame.”
Thank you for your comment. I can assure you I am well aware of the gross human rights abuses and crimes done by BLA, BRA, BLF, LeB across Balochistan on not just settlers, but their own fellow Baloch too.
I consider then no different than the Taliban groups wrecking Pakistan and Afghanistan. Their unabashed killing of school teachers, critics, and neutrals is well documented and easy to find, but since criticising these “Sarmachars” isn’t considered ‘sexy’ enough the prominent twitter ‘activists’ prefer to ignore it and focus all on FC, Army, ISI etc
to me Dr Allah Nazar is as despicable as Baitullah Mehsud
To me IGFC as despicable as General Niazi
HOW MUCH SUPPORT FOR JUNDULLAH IS TOO MUCH?
Posted by Malik Siraj Akbar
on June 29, 2010
By Malik Siraj Akbar
Balochs living in Pakistan’s provinces of Balochistan and Sindh reacted very irritably towards the decision of the Iranian government to hang Abdul Malik Regi, the chief of banned organization Jundullah, by terming it as an act of repression by a regime that is bent upon crushing its Baloch population.
All available forms of condemnation, such as issuance of newspaper statements, arrangement of press conferences, protest rallies and condolence references, were used to censure the hanging of a leader who fought for the rights of the Sunni Baloch minority population residing in Iranian Balochistan. The outpouring of condemnation was so overwhelming that even an impressed Jundullah spokesman went on to appreciate the Balochs living in Pakistan for their moral and political support offered to the Iranian Balochs at the critical juncture.
In Eastern Balochistan, the Baloch National Front (BNF) was on the forefront of all protest rallies held in the province to condemn the execution of 28-year Regi who was wanted by Teheran in more than seventy cases. The Front observed three days of mourning and organized a number of programs to vent its frustration of Iran’s behavior towards its Baloch population. Nonetheless, many people, including some components of the BNF, now realize that they went overboard in agitating on the Regi issue which could, at the end of the day, prove counterproductive and detrimental for the secular Baloch nationalist movement.
A timely expression of this concern has been made by the Baloch National Movement (BNM) which has categorically refused to join the BNF in its announced schedule of anti-Iran protests to express solidarity with Jundullah and the Balochs of Iran. Condoling the murder of Regi and his brother, Abdu Hameed, the BNM central spokesman, however, said here on Monday that his party did not see eye-to-eye with the Jundullah manifesto which underlines religious and sectarian ambitions.
The BNM believes that the Baloch issue has nothing to do with religion nor can it go an extra mile to join hands with ethnic Balochs living in Iran who do not recognize Baloch nationalism and solely talk of religious rights. BNM is equally disillusioned with BNF leadership for not taking it into confidence while unfolding its schedule of protests in support of Jundullah and said that it could not support a Sunni movement which did not keep in consideration the Baloch identity.
This is a very crucial development. The BNM stance will surely alert the Balochs struggling in Iran on religious lines that their counterparts in Pakistani Balochistan do not concur with their ideology. The Baloch resistance movement in Pakistan, which is largely leftist, is not compatible with what Jundullah stands for i.e. Sunni rights. BNM has clarified its stance on the right time as the BNF response to Regi’s killing had already begun to raise many eyebrows about the ideological foundations of the Baloch resistance movement.
By supporting Jundullah, the BNF, which always requests the international community to take notice of the plight of the Balochs, is further confusing the world. Does it mean that the Baloch nationalism has succumbed to religion and begun to endorse suicide bombings on the name of religion as was done by Jundullah inside Iran? If the answer to such a question is in affirmation then BNF will surely find itself in an indefensible position before the larger world which is currently battling the scourge of religious fundamentalism.
On their part, the supporters of Jundullah do not easily digest the nationalists’ claim that Regi was a secular. For example, Hafiz Abu Ubaid, the acting vice president of Karachi-based Ittehad-e-Tuleba-wa-Sunna, has strongly condemned Abdul Wahab Baloch, chairman of Baloch Rights Council, for calling Regi a secular. The righwing has termed Wahab’s remarks and proposal that Jundullah should operate on nationalistic lines as highly offensive. They have sought an apology from Wahab Baloch for allegedly insulting Regi by calling him secular. This is another point of view which exists and has to be acknowledged, if not agreed with.
Baloch nationalism and Islamic nationalism cannot comfortably go side by side. If the mere fact that Regi was a Baloch attracted BNF reaction then one wonders if similar reaction would be shown on the death of a Baloch who is a part of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), Pakistan People’s Party and Muslim League? BNF should not judge people merely on their Baloch ethnicity. It should support the people who share the same ideology that the BNF stands for.
BNM has adopted a timely stance and rightly warned BNF not to compromise on Baloch nationalist ideology by backing religious fundamentalism. By supporting religious fundamentalists, Baloch nationalists would be compromising on their ideological foundations and make it more difficult for the international community to support the Baloch movement.
http://gmcmissing.wordpress.com/2010/06/29/how-much-support-for-jundullah-is-too-much/
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Regi is another name for bin Laden, Jondullah is for al Qaeda
Feb 27, 2012 at 9:46 AM PST
BY ahmarmustikhan
Abdolmalek Regi is yet another name for Osama bin Laden.
It does not matter if one was Baloch and the other is an Arab. They both represent the violent face of wahabi sunni Islam. The Baloch must be extremely careful and do not look upon Jondullah as a lesser evil simply because it is comprised of Balochi-speaking sunni wahabis, warns intellectual and poet Dr. Malek Towghi of East Lansing, Michigan.
The Baloch cannot afford to see sunni wahabi’ism flourish, even if a foreign power might open bag loads of money in front of their faces. This is what is said to have happened in the case of Jondullah.
The struggle for Baloch people has always been secular. One of the most famous Baloch leaders, former governor and statesman Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, 79, very aptly said what can the Baloch do with women and wine in heaven when neither has a “hole.”
The Baloch political fabric is based on religious tolerance. At least one in every five Baloch is zikri who does not go to perform the annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, a global center of Muslim brainwashing.
If Taliban and al Qaeda get military logistic supplies from the Inter-Services Intelligence, the monies came from the Saudis not the Punjabi Muslim general s who to this day dream of returning to power in New Delhi. These generals are of the considered opinion that the Hindus are cowards.
In the case of Jondullah too, the monies came from Saudi Arabia, the world’s most decadent kingdom, according to highly placed U.S. sources.
The Jondullah is responsible for committing crimes against humanity. The U.S. Department of State has very correctly identified it as a terrorist outfit. But the U.S. known for its love for “quickies” even in international politics did so rather belatedly.
The sight of a young Baloch like Regi in the captivity of the Iranian pasdarans was an ugly, painful sight. It made them feel uneasy but then the video of Regi raising Allah O Akbar slogans and slaughtering his own brother-in-law in front of a camera flashed in their mind.
Regi got what you deserved just like bin Laden. There is little tolerance for ideas that can have lasting impact on the secular politics in Baloch society.
Dr. Malek Towghi, who has been involved in Baloch international activism, recalls an incident when the Jondullah was in its formative phase.
He said two Baloch from western Balochistan, Dr. M. Hosseinbor and Hakim Saeed of the Pen Foundation, wanted him to go for a protest in New York against Mahmoud Ahmedinijad.
“I said yes I will come there, but in my one hand I will carry a placard that says ‘Down with Iran’ and in the second hand another placard that says ‘Down with Pakistan’.”
But he said they told him, “If you mention Pakistan, they will not give us money.”
Towghi who is a simple American Baloch deplores the mixing of business and politics.
“Our Western (iran) Baloch are addicted to money,” says Towghi.
London-based Tariq Baloch, who recently defected from the camp of Baloch tribal leader Khan of Kalat Mir Suleman Daud Ahmadzai concurs with this view. “Even in Lyari the drug culture was introduced by the Baloch from Iran,” he said in an email.
In contrast in Eastern (Pakistan-occupied) Balochistan, there is stress on ideology and politics rather than money.
When Abdolamalek Regi was killed some Baloch groups organized protests. But the large and mainstream political parties , including the Baloch National Movement, were unwilling to join in protest against the terrorist’s death. “The BNM believes that the Baloch issue has nothing to do with religion nor can it go an extra mile to join hands with ethnic Balochs living in Iran who do not recognize Baloch nationalism and solely talk of religious rights,” Malik Siraj Akbar wrote in an editorial in The Baloch Hal.
The U.S. official policy towards Iran has not been confrontrational, notwithstanding the rhetoric.
“American official agencies like the C.I.A. and Pentagon are behaving responsibly when it comes to Balochistan,” says Dr. Towghi.
A strange aspect of Hosseinbor’s presentation to the Oversight and Investigations sub-committee was almost half of his paper was devoted to Iranian Balochistan, with a stress on Shia and Sunni differences.
“But there are shias among the Baloch as well,” says Towghi. In addition one in every five Baloch belongs to the zikri sect that does not follow wahabi Islam and in stead offer their annual pilgrimmage or hajj in Mekran.
In an article in Foreign Policy journalist Mark Perry said Israel’s Mossad duped Baloch exiles in London that they are agents of the C.I.A. as they wroked with Jondullah to carry out attacks against Iran.
Towghi believes that in spite of his sympathy for Israel, the Baloch should never became pawns or mercenaries for foreign interests. “This will be a disaster. The Baloch will be crushed,” he warns.
Towghi is all praise for the correct stand of Baloch freedom leader Brahumdagh Bugti “who has been trained well by Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti. ”
Brahumdagh Bugti is grandson of Balochistan governor and chief minister, Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, 79, who was killed August 26, 2006 on the orders of Pakistan military, Bugti’s killing destroyied any hopes, of there were any in the first place, for Balochistan’s existence in a federal Pakistan.
The young Brahumdagh Bugti, 31, came out against any fight against Iran at the same time the Baloch in Eastern Balochistan are engaged in a David-and-Goliath struggle against Pakistan rmy, the fourth largest in the world. Bugti insists the Baloch should first get freedom from Pakistan rather than open two fronts.
“The National Party is very clear on these issues,” Towghi said about a middle class party that has more than 70,000 members.
Bugti’s brother-in-law Mehran Baluch, who is Balochistan’s unofficial representative at the U.N. Human Rights Council and youngest and most loved son of veteran Baloch leader Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri, 92, concurs with this view.
“I don’t want the Baloch to suffer,” Towghi said. “They simply want to use us as fodder,” Towghi who converted to Christianity and likes to uphold the truth said.
He said he can take a vow in any court of law that Hosseinbor is one of the main facilitators of Jondullah. “In fact I would love to do it,” he said. “Seymour Hersh could be another witness.”
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/11598614/content/90356867-abdolmalek-regi?window_location=480
If you highlight Shia genocide you are not secular. If you talk about Shia killings you are an Iranian agent.
If you condemn Iranian clergy but refuse to stereotype entire Iranian nation, you are sectarian and racist.
This man (Mir Sohaib Mengal) is causing damage to the Baloch cause.
…………
Abdul Nishapuri @AbdulNishapuri
Is highlighting Shia genocide or Ahmadi persecution a sectarian issue? Is it secular to remain tight-lipped on these issues?
22 Aug Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
@AbdulNishapuri but Praising Iran is.
22 Aug Abdul Nishapuri @AbdulNishapuri
@MirSohaib Praising Iran? http://criticalppp.com/archives/tag/criticism-of-shia-clerics
22 Aug Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
@AbdulNishapuri Yes Sir Millat-e-Ghayoor is a praise. They are the most racist millat.
22 Aug Abdul Nishapuri @AbdulNishapuri
@MirSohaib I am sorry I don’t agree with your stereotyping of entire Iranian nation. This is, per se, racism.
22 Aug Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
@AbdulNishapuri lol we have suffered the racism Sir. You cannot name your children Balochi names.
22 Aug Abdul Nishapuri @AbdulNishapuri
@MirSohaib Blame the Iranian ruling elites, not the nation. Would it be fair to blame all Balochs for brutal attacks on Punjabi settlers?
22 Aug Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
@AbdulNishapuri Yes if all Baloch were involved. In Iran the entire nation is racist against other minorities.
22 Aug Abdul Nishapuri @AbdulNishapuri
@MirSohaib Let’s agree to disagree on this, and stop here.
22 Aug Naeem Shamim @naeemshamim
@AbdulNishapuri @MirSohaib The Shite Theocracy is the enemy of Persians !
22 Aug Abdul Nishapuri @AbdulNishapuri
@naeemshamim Exactly. Theocrats can’t be equated with entire Persians. @MirSohaib
22 Aug Karrar @KarrarrHussain
@AbdulNishapuri @naeemshamim @MirSohaib Pakistani Shias need nothing from Iranian theocracy. Mullahism murdabaad!
Shia Kafir Hain, BLA Raw Agent Hain
@Mussalman
dafa ho takfiri kaheen k!!
In the end I would just like to say
I fully understand and sympathise with the struggle of Baloch rights and progress. Their demands are legitimate and it is criminal to ignore or stifle them.
The State must accept responsibility in its failure to overcome this widening trust deficit among the common Baloch and rest of Pakistan and should take practical necessary steps rather than keep repeating the appeasement-coercion cycles of past that have failed and made more Baloch angry with rest of Pakistan.
The target killings of activists, Shia genocide, illegal detentions, lack of law and order, and zero performance by local judicial system, coupled with opportunistic tendencies of the local elite to play both sides for their personal gains has made the situation horrible.
But at the same time, what I cannot and will not support is the brutal mindless violence done in the name of Baloch. The killings of settlers, assassinations of opponents/critics, murder of teachers, and other human rights abuses by the ‘Sarmachar’ has become a cancerous tumour on the Baloch cause. It must be removed otherwise the Baloch cause can disastrously implode on itself.
To me the conduct of BLA, BRA, BLF, Jundullah etc are no different than the Taliban and urge the young minds to avoid making brutal killers as your heroes. Sure I can understand armed confrontation with the State, but I cannot understand attacks on unarmed men women and children on ethnic and political grounds.
The radicalised Baloch running LeJ operations in Balochistan should NOT be ignored or set aside. The nationalist groups, and local personalities must strive to counter this trend, thoroughly investigate this worrying aspect, and be open about the usage of indiscriminate violence.
You cannot avoid talking about the elephant in your own room any longer. As they say most mistakes are self-made, so a bit of mea culpa and remedial measures are needed by all sides.
Otherwise you can kiss this cause goodbye as another fleeting dream.
Shia Saray Kafir Hain. Irani Agent Hain. Baitullah Shaheed Zindabad
I advise you to remain in the limits of humanity you don’t have any right to say another sect of muslims as kafir until you have any verification .you are just airing conflicts in this way among our nation.
Nice post but I don’t agree some comments about Shias and Balochs in comments section. I understand admin of this page don’t moderate comments.
Very good post.
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
Attention Baloch activists: Record your protest against LUBP who is posting blogs on their website in which they are equating Baloch 1/2
with Taliban. Check the comments of this article where the author has equated Dr. A Nazar with Baitullah Mehsud http://criticalppp.com/archives/224793 2/2
“to me Dr Allah Nazar is as despicable as Baitullah Mehsud” a comment by an author of LUBP owned by @AbdulNishaPuri
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
“I consider them (Baloch orgs) no different than the Taliban groups wrecking Pakistan and Afghanistan” A comment on LUBP of @AbdulNishaPuri
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
This dumbhead @AbdulNishaPuri is equating Baloch nationalists with Taliban. Please record your protest against LUBP
——–
Sheherzade Adil @sheherzadey
Dear @MirSohaib LUBP has published my response to ‘Ali Ahsan very insensitive piece’ just aft hours of the article @AbdulNishaPuri
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
@sheherzadey A very simple question: Why a very dangerous piece & comments like that of Ali Hasan were allowed to publish? @AbdulNishapuri
Sheherzade Adil @sheherzadey
@MirSohaib U or any #Baloch activist can write a response to the piece, will publish at LUBP, we have cross postd frm #Tawar n other sites
Sohaib Mengal Baloch @MirSohaib
@sheherzadey Will LUBP publish my piece word to word?
Sheherzade Adil @sheherzadey
@MirSohaib Yeah! Read this one http://criticalppp.com/archives/224835 and the comments exchange I had with the author and others, we don’t believe in censor
——-
HDP Social media:
Arif H. Hazara @Arif_Hazara
@MirSohaib I’ve not read it but #LUBP has been deliberately misrepresenting massacre in Balochistan constantly, whether its Hazara or Baloch
Arif H. Hazara @Arif_Hazara
@MirSohaib …. Out of biased and affiliated thoughts, despite being Shia, they ve also branded many Hazaras LeJ touts
Zia Alizada @Zia_Chang
@Arif_Hazara @MirSohaib #LUBP has consistatly been trying to defame the #Struggles of #Hazaras & now they are after #Baloch. #Shame on #LUBP
Zia Alizada @Zia_Chang
@Arif_Hazara @MirSohaib #LUBP trying to create divide among people, 1st they tried to enlarge the frenzy of #Sectarianism. Now after #Baloch
Zia Alizada @Zia_Chang
@MirSohaib @AbdulNishaPuri #LUBP is not unaware, but they are working for #deepstate #Agenda. #Shame.
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Abdul Nishapuri @AbdulNishapuri
LUBP doesn’t moderate comments. LUBP editors too are routinely criticized in comments which we don’t bother to delete. Beware of detractors.
An infiltrator is trying to divide non-Hazara Shias from Hazara Shias and divide Baloch from Shia. Beware.
Abdul Nishapuri @AbdulNishapuri
You are not allowed on my TL if you misrepresent #ShiaGenocide as Hazara ethnic or Sunni-Shia sectarian issue. No obfuscation!
Abdul Nishapuri @AbdulNishapuri
@ArchenBaloch We don’t moderate comments. Same thread has naked abuses against Shias. Beware of detractors.
I strongly condemn the on going atrocities in recent systematic Hazara genocide by the extremists terrorists of Lashkar e Jahangvi in Spinney Road Quetta Baluchistan, in which three Hazara innocents have lost their life on the spot. I also offer my sincere and deep condolences to the relatives of these passing soul of innocent victims of terrorism. It is really very sad news and clear failure of the government to protect its citizens where extreme terrorism taken palace not once but many times in the same road. Now it became a notorious Spinney Road where most of the population belong to Baluchis. It is now up to the Hazaras themselves, to do some protecting measures against these atrocities which take place in a broad day light. The motive is very clear — as no protection is given and will be given to Hazaras in Quetta by the government. The leaders and political parties must not play a political credit scoring but must take a drastic measures of protections and self defence and should not let it be too late before we start blaming our selves for these atrocities. Now these atrocities a routine which make it a dreadful conspiracy against Hazaras in Quetta by the government.
AS I KNOW, BALOCHISTAN IS ALL OF BALOCHISTANI’S MOTHER-LAND, NO MATTER WHO IS MUSLIM SHIYA -SUNNY OR NON MUSLIM. AS A SUNNI MUSLIM BALOCH, I SUGGEST ALL BALOCHISTAN’S NATION:BALOCH,PASHTOON, HAZAARAH,PUNJABI, SINDHI,HINDUH…TO CREATE TRUSTHWORTHY ENVIREMENT OF BALOCH-BROTHERHOOD.EVERYONE SHOULD PAY RESPECT, SHARE BY HEART AND STRUGGLE FOR OUR SHARED COUNTRY. HOW? EVERYONE WHO WISH TO LIVE IN AN INDEPENDENT BALOCHISTAN,HAVE TO SACRIFICE IN THE MANNER WHICH IS POSSIBLE FOR THEM.BUT , NOT LIVING IN A SHARED HOME,AS A GUEST FOR EVER;WITHOUT OF ANY SUPPORT TO ITS NATIONALISM INDEPENDENCE.THAT SHOULD NEVER EVER BE LOGIC, FOR NO ONE, AND NON ACCEPTABLE ,THAT SOME ONE LIVE IN A HOME , AND CONCERN IT’S AS HIS NATIVE LAND, BUT NEVER TRY FOR IT’S PROSPERITY.THAT IS NOT RIGHT, THAT ONLY CALLED BALOCHS, SPEAKERS DIE FOR THIS COUNTRY, WILE OTHER BROTHER WATCHING DAILY BALOCH YOUTH AND ELDER’MEN WOMEN AND CHILDREN DEAD BODIES IN EVERYWHERE OF OUR;” SHARED BALOCHISTAN “.IF YOU HAZARAH, PASHTOON, SINDHI…WHO ARE LIVING IN BALOCHISTAN AND DESERVE YOURSELVES AS OWNER ON THIS SACRED LAND, YOU SHOULD SHOW YOUR RESPECT(GHAYRAT) IN PROTECTION OF YOUR MOTHERLAND WHICH IS YOUR (NANG AND NAAMOOS)PLEASE NOT TO DO JUST BUSINESS ,AND CREATING A(SPY-WATCH TOWER ) IN ALLIANCE WITH BALOCHISTAN’S PEOPLE HISTORIC TRAITOR AND ENEMIES.PLEASE COULD SOMEONE MENTION ANY NUMBER OF BALOCHISTAN NON BALOCH-ORIGIN DEAD FOR BALOCHISTAN? COULD YOU CONCERN,THAT BALOCHISTAN NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE ARMY COULD GUARANTEE AT THE MOMENT BALOCH CITIZENS SECURITY AND SAFETY, WHERE THERE PAKISTANI ISI HAVE CREATED AND SUPPORTING UNCOUNTABLE CRIMINAL AGENTS TO ELIMINATE PAKI-CONRAS(PASHTOON BALOCH NATIONALIST BROTHERS);AND PAKI-EXTEMIST FANATIC TERRORIST, SUPPORTED BY PAKI-ARMY PROVOKING, PRODUCING AND CONTITNUING OTHER MINORITIES GENOCIDE,JUST TO BLAME AND DEFAME BALOCH AND PASHTOON HISTORIC DESTINATION.PLEASE REMIND AND LEARN FROM OUR HEROIC NEIGHBORS AFGHAN MUJAHEDDIN STRUGGLE AGAINST INVASORES,HOW PATRIOTIC AND BRAVE THEY UNITE ALWAYS AGAINST ANY ENEMY OF THIS SACRED MOTHERLAND.THERE ALSO LIVE DIVERSITY OF CULTURES,RELIGION AND IDIOSYNCRASY PRACTICENT. LONG LIVE ALL BALOCHISTAN’S TRUE SONS TRUTH UNITY,BROTHERHOOD AND HEART-FULL FRIENDSHIP!(HASTA LA VICTOTIA SIEMPRE,VENCEREMOS!!! YOUR SORROWFUL BROTHER,KHAN SAMAJI BALOCH FROM HEROIC AFGHANISTAN,BEAUTIFUL NEMROUZ JAAN.
First of all I find the term “Sunni” used in these terrorist incidents a little problematic.
The largest religious community of Pakistan are Barelvis,who have nothing to do with these Shi’a killings.
It is actually Deo-bandi violence against the Shi’a community to be precise,and the media should name them,instead of using a blanket term “Sunni”.