Manifesto and Constitution of Baluchistan National Movement

In the summer of 2009 the fourth Congress of Baluchistan National Movement (BNM) determined to pursue the independence of Baluchistan. In 2010 the fifth Congress of BNM approved the principals for the independence of Baluchistan.

Preamble

Baluchistan is an inseparable territory which was systematically occupied by the Gajar Dynasty, the British Empire and Pakistan. The history of the Baluch National struggle is a clear testimony of the fact that the nation has always been fighting against the occupiers to defend Baluchistan’s sovereignty and its independence.

At the Bompour Conference on the 1st December 1869 as well as at the Gwadar Conference held on 9th to 24th April 1871 the Baluch delegates withstood the British pressure and openly expressed their rejection for the division of Baluchistan. The Baluch delegates demanded from the unchallenged power of the region, the British, to respect the sovereignty and independence of Baluchistan.

At the time, the British pursued “the Great Game” policy for the fear of the Tsar of Russia reaching the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Since the Baluch sovereignty was not strong, the British divided Baluchistan. As the result of the division western region of Baluchistan was occupied by the Gajar Dynasty and some parts of eastern region of Baluchistan were kept under the British occupation. Following the division and occupation of Baluchistan, only the eastern region of Baluchistan was able to maintain its independence until 1948.

Despite occupation of Baluchistan by alien forces, no tangible presence or sovereignty of the Gajar existed in Baluchistan for decades to come; and the Baluch ruler Bahram Khan Baranzai, thereafter his nephew Mir Doust Mohd Khan as the King of Baluchistan maintained their sovereignty and independence of western region of Baluchistan until 1928. For the sovereignty of Baluchistan, the King of Baluchistan, Mir Doust Mohd Khan Baranzai fought a war against the Shah of Iran.

Mir Doust Mohd Khan Baranzai for his quest to defend independence and sovereignty of Baluchistan was executed by the rulers of Iran.

With withdrawal of the British forces from the sub-continent in 1947; Baluch nation had the opportunity to remain free and independent. Hence, on the 11th August 1947 Mir Yaar Ahmad Khan, the King of Baluchistan proclaimed the independence of Baluchistan.

Geopolitically, Baluchistan for having more than one thousand kilometre coast lines has a very important and strategic place. For this precise reason, the British encouraged the newly created state of Pakistan to invade and occupy Baluchistan. Pakistan invaded Baluchistan on the 28th of March 1948 with brute force.

Since then, the Baluch nation and its brave fighters are at a disparity war with occupying forces of Pakistan to regain the lost sovereignty and independence of Baluchistan. To this end the oppressive military of Pakistan till 2006 brought upon Baluchistan four wars; in 1948, in 1958, in 1962 and in 1973. In 2006 they began to wage a new war with a wave of invasions and bombardments of Baluchistan. It is continuously being waged against the Baluch to date, 2010.

The struggle of the Baluch fighters in the western region of Baluchistan was continued unabated in different shapes and methods against occupation of Baluchistan after the execution of the King of Baluchistan Mir Doust Mohd Khan Baranzai by Iran. The founding of Baluchistan Liberation Front in 1964 and also the announcement for the foundation of Baluchistan National Movement (Zrombesh) by Rahim Zardkohee in association with his fellow fighters in 1971(year 1350 Iranian calendar) are the apparent features of ongoing struggle by the fighters of Baluch nation against the occupation of Baluchistan.

Rahim Zardkohee the founder of Baluchistan National Movement (BNM) was killed during a battle with the Pasdaran(a brutal and oppressive force) of Islamic regime of Iran in Pahra (Iranshahr) on 26th December 1980 (5th Dey 1358 of Iranian calendar).

In 1983 a number of Baluch intellectual activists joined Baluchistan National Movement to further the Baluch national struggle. Subsequently the first programme for autonomy of Baluchistan, and the Constitution of Baluchistan National Movement (BNM) were approved by the leadership and published.

With the rise of Baluch national movement in the recent past years, the Baluch nation is becoming far more aware of its rights; and is more determined to fight for an end to the occupation of Baluchistan. 

The bitter experience from the occupation of Baluchistan is making the Baluch nation vulnerable with the danger of assimilation and of losing its identity. The Baluch nation has learned the fact that only an independent Baluchistan will be the sole saviour and protector of its identity.

Right now in Baluchistan the cultural invasion and deprivation of national identity of the Baluch nation is vigorously being perused by the occupying regime of Iran with disproportionate migration into Baluchistan and other methods. Therefore, the Baluch nation in his ancestral land is faced with the terrifying fear of losing its identity from the Iranian occupiers.

In 2009 the fourth Congress of the Baluchistan National Movement with a clear mandate approved the policy for independence of Baluchistan, so the Baluch nation shall regains Baluchistan’s independence in order to have its identity secured and protected.

Perhaps the struggle for regaining Baluchistan’s independence is onerous and long, yet Baluchistan has all the criteria for an independent state. Baluchistan is in direct connection with the World through its vast open sea with long shores. In addition Baluchistan is enormously resourceful with abundant oil, gas, copper and many other precious minerals; which make an independent Baluchistan economically a viable state. The World politics is currently going through some rapid transformations. In the past two decades, even in the heart of the Europe where there is respect for human rights and other political and civil rights, some nations have risen to gain their independence and many had done so. With the current rise of Baluch national and liberation movement, creation of a broad political unity for the independence of Baluchistan followed by establishment of a free and independent Baluchistan is in the prospect.

Manifesto

Baluchistan National Movement (BNM) is a political party which endeavours to further the Baluch national movement. The BNM recognises the Baluch as a nation of which its ancestral land is under occupation. Therefore, the national movement of Baluchistan is a liberation movement against occupation and for the independence of Baluchistan. In this liberation movement, the Baluch nation has the right to defend its national identity, to regain the Baluch national sovereignty and the independence of its territory.

BNM in principal recognises Baluchistan as one integrated territory. Since the western region of Baluchistan is under Iranian occupation; and due to existing geo-politics and for the fact that the Baluch nation’s liberation movement in different regions of divided Baluchistan has been shaped in varying forms, and for the reason that BNM initiated its struggle in the western region of Baluchistan and  also for the reason of regional geo-politics and of practical politics, our struggle for independence of Baluchistan shall focus in western region of Baluchistan against the Iranian occupation. The liberation movement by the BNM in the western Baluchistan shall be in concert with the overall Baluch liberation movement to regain independence of Baluchistan.

Basis for the policy of Balochistan’s independence

In the summer 2009, the fourth Congress of the BNM with a clear mandate approved the policy for independence of Baluchistan. In 2010 the fifth Congress approved the followings as the basis for the policy of Baluchistan’s independence:

•Baluch is a historical nation, and it is the natural right of the Baluch to live freely under its own national sovereignty

•Baluchistan not long ago had its independence; which the aliens with their brute force and mighty military powers took away from the Baluch nation

•Only an independent Baluchistan will be able to secure the Baluch identity

•The identity of the Baluch nation is under imminent threat of assimilation within Iran. The threat of assimilation for the Baluch will remain even in a democratic Iran

•Baluch has its own separate identity

•Until and then the Iranian occupation over the western region of Baluchistan continues, the Baluch issue with its problems will remain unsolved, though their severity may fluctuate with change of regimes or governance in Iran

•Within Iran, the relation between Iran, and the Baluch and Baluchistan will remain as the relation between the oppressor and the oppressed

•Baluchistan itself could be an economically powerful independent state with sufficient welfare

•BNM by pursuing the policy of independence for Baluchistan shall endeavour to raise self-confidence among all walk of life of the Baluch society; and to protect the identity of the Baluch. In accordance to these undertakings it endeavours to convince Baluch activists and Baluch political parties to embrace the principal of independent Baluchistan. BNM shall recognise the task of preparing the international polity to be open to the question of Baluchistan independence as its duty; and shall act upon it.

Policy plans for Independence

To regain independence of Baluchistan, it is imperative upon the Baluch political parties and activists to pursue a relentless and extensive movement. The present de’facto politics of the World and the region are as such that the independence of Baluchistan is considered by BNM to be as transitional. Hence, BNM supports any efforts for a fundamental and meaningful change in Iran to achieve democracy, the process for the recognition of the rights of the oppressed nations, and establishing a democratic system.

Upon establishing a democratic system in Iran, BNM shall utilise all political tools and leverages to their maximum effects to regain Baluchistan’s independence. In case of continued violation of Baluch national rights, the Baluch nation has the right of defence. At the international polity, BNM shall promote the policy of independent Baluchistan and shall make the world public aware and receptive of it.

System of Governance in Balochistan

The independent and sovereign Baluchistan shall claim its legitimacy and sovereignty through the free will of the majority of the people of the Baluchistan.

The political platform of the Baluchistan National Movement to gain a majority vote of the people of Baluchistan is as follows:

1.         Baluchistan shall be a democratic and decentralised republic

2.         National assembly of Baluchistan which shall be elected by free votes, will be the absolute sovereign legislator

3.         The system of governance shall be parliamentarian

4.         The judiciary shall be independent

5.         Baluchistan’s Armed forces will be established to protect borders and to maintain Baluchistan’s national security

6.         Baluchi shall be the official language

7.         A market economy shall be pursued

8.         A friendly foreign policy in accordance with national interest of Baluchistan shall be pursued

9.         The UN Charter along with other international conventions and principals shall be respected and implemented

10.       Democracy and transparency shall be the basis of work in governmental departments and their subsidiaries

11.       Equality of men and women shall be implemented

12.       Freedom of religion followed by an end to all discriminative practices against religion shall be implemented

13.       Freedom of speech, expression and thought shall be implemented

14.       Censorship, inquisition of thought and torture shall be prohibited

15.       The human rights of all inhabitants of Baluchistan shall be protected

16.       Freedom for political activities and right of establishing a political party or association and society based on political pluralism shall be implemented

17.       Right of assembly, demonstration, sit-in and strike in a peaceful manner shall be provided for

18.       Right of ethnic minorities to education in their mother tongue and to have freedom to practice cultural and religious events and ceremonies shall be provided for

19.       Scientific academy to further Baluchi language and culture and also to carry scientific research on Baluch and Baluchistan’s history shall be founded

20.       Plans to create job opportunities, Provision of a standard education, Provision of a standard health, Provision of housing, Provision of water and electricity, Provision of economical infrastructures such as roads and other means of communications(of sea, land, air and telecommunications) shall be implemented

21.       Economic mega projects such as exploration of natural resources; expansion of agriculture, fisheries and transportation shall be implemented.

CONSTITUTION OF BALUCHISTAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT           

(BALUCHISTAN -e- RAJI ZROMBESH)

Section I = Name and Identity

Article 1: Name

The name of the Organization is "Baluchistan National Movement” (Baluchistan -e- Raji Zrombesh). Hereafter refer to as BNM.

Article 2: Identity

BNM is a national-democratic organization which strives to struggle for independence of Baluchistan, against occupation and for protection of Baluch nation’s interests.

Section II = Fundamental Aims

BNM as a political party shall pursue the followings:

1. Protection of Baluch national identity

2. Regain of Baluchistan independence and full sovereignty of the Baluch nation

3. Protection of human rights

4. Establishment of democracy

5. Provision of social welfare

Section III = Membership

Article 3: Requirements for Membership

All inhabitants of Baluchistan and all Baluch are eligible to become members provided one:

1. Is at least Eighteen (18) years of age

2. Accepts the constitution and the overall agenda of the organization

3. Is not a member of any other political organization or party

4. Firmly believes in the national-democratic movement

5. Is introduced and seconded by at least two existing members of the organization, and has been approved by one of the constituents.

Article 4: Responsibilities of Members

1. To respect the programs and decisions made by the organization and implement them in general

2. To actively propagate and publicize the programs devised by the organization

3. To withhold organizational secrets

4. To enhance his/her political knowledge constantly

5. To pay membership fee.

Article 5: The Rights of Members

1. The right to elect or be elected to any level within the organization

2. Members are free to have any doctrine or ideology they wish to have

3. The right to criticize any constituent of the organization or complain against any constituent to a higher body

4. The right to express his/her opinion or to render his/her proposals to any constituents of the organization

5. The right to publicly propagate his/her opinion.

Article 6: Prohibited Activities

1. Avoiding responsibility and disrespecting the constitution

2. Disclosing organizational secrets

3. Subversion and disruption of the organization's functions

4. Misuse of his/her organizational position or powers.

Article 7: Disciplinary Actions

The disciplinary action procedure for indulging in any prohibited activity is as follows:

1. Verbal notice

2. Written notice

3. Discharge of organizational duties

4. Suspension.

Maximum period of suspension is one year in ordinary circumstances

5. Expulsion

The disciplined member has the right to request for a review from higher bodies in the organization or submit the request to the Congress for final consideration.

Section IV = Structure of the Organization

Article 8:

The foundation of the BNM is based upon free and democratic methods of electing the leading organizational authorities from bottom up. Organizational interest is superior to that of the individual, and majority interest shall prevail.

Lower constituents should follow the decisions reached by higher constituents in the organization. The principle of reporting from bottom up and vice-versa shall be an important rule of practice.

Note: Any person or a minority group with due respect to the majority's decision has the right to propagate one's ideas and standpoints.

Article 9: The Congress of the Organization

1. The Congress is the supreme organizational authority

2. The members of the Central Committee, advisors and representatives from various constituents of the organization shall convene the Congress once every two years

3. In extraordinary situations, a majority (50% + 1) of the Central Committee's members can call for the congress to be convened at any time

4. Two third of the members can also call for the congress to be convened at any time

5. The Congress can only be legally convened if majorities (50% + 1) of the eligible participants are present

6. The responsibility and power of the Congress is to assess the performance of the Organization as well as that of the Central Committee; to define overall strategy and operational policies, to debate the program amendment or change to the constitution, and also to elect a new Central Committee

7. Mechanism of convening the Congress:

The agenda for the congress will be outlined by the Central Committee at the onset to be debated and approved. The agenda can be accepted by a majority vote (50% + 1). Immediately, thereafter there shall be election for the formation of a committee with the task of organizing and supervising the progress of the Congress. The outstanding Central Committee will be dissolved, and the responsibilities shall rest upon the newly-formed "supervisory Committee" until the new Central Committee is formed

8. The decisions of the congress will be approved by majority vote (50% +1).

Article 10: Conference of the Organization

1. Requirements for convening the Conference:

If it is not possible to convene the Congress and the Central Committee is unable to make important decisions under the circumstances

2. A majority of the central committee members along with advisers plus a third of the representative from constituents can convene the conference

3. The Conference has the same authority as to that of the Congress

4. The mechanism of convening the conference and the procedures are exactly the same as of those of the Congress.

Article 11: Central Committee

The Central Committee is the highest authority during the period between the sittings of two congresses, and shall be responsible for implementation of policies and decisions reached by the preceding congress. The responsibilities and authority of the Central Committee are as such:

1. To elect its First Person in Charge, and other members for various central positions in the organization

The First Person in Charge is the highest leadership-bearer, and is accountable to the Central Committee and higher bodies

2. The First Person in Charge is responsible for the coordination and the work of the Central Committee, as well as overall supervision of the organization and staging of the Plenum

3. The central authorities in charge of various positions are duty-bound to execute the decisions of the Central Committee during the period between two sessions of the Central Committee. They are also accountable to the First Person in Charge and the higher bodies

4. Central Committee is responsible for public relations and communication with other parties, organizations and institutions

5. The Central Committee is responsible for the Budget.

Article 12: Plenum

1. Sessions of the Central Committee are called Plenum

2. The Central Committee shall have at lease one session every six (6) months. The sessions become officially binding if there are at least two third of its members present

3. Extraordinary Plenum

One third of the Central Committee members can call for an extraordinary plenum to be held. The extraordinary plenum shall be officially binding if there are more than half (50% +1) of its members present.

Section V = Financial Affairs

Article 13:

The funds of the organization shall be acquired through receiving membership fees, collecting financial support from members, supporters and voluntary people.

The organization for the purpose of improving its financial position can make capital investment.

(End)