Balochistan would be a trusted ally of the U.S. if our independence is recognized by them, say Baloch leaders
The U.S. State Department designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) was designated as a terror organization. This statement came on a day when people in Balochistan were celebrating their Independence Day (August 11th).
Baloch leaders have raised objections to this and have claimed that they have always supported the U.S. and will be their ally if their independence was recognized by them.
“Today, the Department of State is designating The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, The Majeed Brigade, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), and adding the Majeed Brigade as an alias to BLA's previous Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) designation,” read the statement issued by U.S. State Department on August 11th.
Meanwhile, the BLA in response have stated that they were not a terror organization and would become an ally of the U.S. if their independence was recognized by them.
“Recognising Balochistan’s independence would give the United States a genuine ally, moderate, stable, and aligned with democratic values, far preferable to a corrupt military elite rejected even by its own people,” said Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch.
The Baloch are not terrorists, say their leaders, adding that on the contrary they have endured 78 long years of state terrorism, economic plunder.
“We have endured radioactive poisoning from Pakistan’s nuclear tests, foreign invasion, and brutal occupation by the extremist and state of Pakistan,” said Mir Yar Baloch.
The Baloch leader also stated that they have always supported the U.S.
“Throughout history, the Baloch have shown unwavering goodwill towards the US. Even during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Baloch people never raised arms against America or the Soviets. After 9/11, NATO supply lines passed through Balochistan, yet not a single attack was carried out by Baloch freedom fighters or civilians on American personnel or convoys,” Mir Yar Baloch added.
Earlier, when U.S. had signed a trade deal with Pakistan and there was talk of jointly exploring oil fields in Pakistan, the Baloch leaders had raised objections as all the oil fields are in Balochistan.
“President Trump was misled by Pakistan's army and ISI claiming that the oil and mineral wealth lies in Balochistan, not Pakistan. Balochistan is a nation illegally occupied by Pakistan. Its resources are looted to fund terror, not development,” Mir Yar Baloch had said.