It was worded innocuously enough, but the inclusion of Pakistan’s insurgency-torn Balochistan in the joint statement issued by Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the NAM summit in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh on July 16 has caused waves in both countries. Significantly, just days later, Gilani made a far more blatant reference to India’s “interference” in Balochistan. Where the controversy stems from:

The statement

While the statement mentioned that several bilateral issues were discussed, the part that caused consternation was: “Prime Minister Singh reiterated the need to bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks to justice. Prime Minister Gilani assured that Pakistan would do everything in its power in this regard¿ Prime Minister Gilani mentioned that Pakistan has some information on threats in Balochistan and other areas. Both PMs recognised that dialogue is the only way forward.”

Why it is relevant

This is the first time that the insurgent activities and the possibility of an Indian hand in the province of Balochistan have ever been acknowledged by New Delhi despite repeated accusations from Pakistan. India’s position, therefore, has made a significant transition from flat denial to “discussion”. It has also been felt that this “indirect acknowledgment” of India’s role in terrorist activities in the province will give Pakistan a trump card over India when it comes to matters pertaining to terrorism.

The problem

The largest province in Pakistan, Balochistan, located in the southwest, is also one of its most volatile, especially since 2004, when a fresh wave of insurgency swept through the region. In simple terms, the separatist struggle against the federal government is fuelled by a deep-seated sense of marginalisation among the Baloch, who despite their province’s richness in natural resources such as natural gas and oil, have seen little development, economic benefits or political representation in Islamabad. Pakistan, in the meantime, has responded to the insurgents — who have targeted the armed forces and frontier corps personnel as well as gas and oil pipelines — with military attacks and air strikes, leading to the deaths of thousands, including civilians.

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