(Presented at The Balochistan confrence in London)

28-05-2006

Special thanks to Zrombesh comrades for facilitating this conference where we have the opportunity to meet our honourable Baloch politicians from all over our beloved Balochistan.

It is needed to bring your attention to a topic which recently has stimulated lots of dialogues between the political activists of Balochistan, and it is the flag of Balochistan registered in the UNPO as a symbol of a national recognition and an indication of existence of the Baloch nation in Balochistan.

Having a flag is the right of any nation and we see this in any multi national country all over the world. Our National flag is a symbol of struggle and unity of the people of Balochistan against those who transparently deny our political and cultural rights.

This flag in fact is the one which was initially chosen by the government of Balochistan when ruled by Khan of Kalat. The Kalat State itself was a symbol of unity and coordination between different Baloch tribes who organised and managed a resistance against British colonialism and consequently our victory.

As you know the original flag had a sign of a star in it, however in the new flag it has been replaced with the sun, as a sign of brightness and hope and a reflection of our Baloch women’s world level famous broidery art, to express and reflect the different conditions and political situation of today’s Balochistan.

The reasons for not openly discussing to choose the flag at the time of registration with UNPO, was not because of narrow minding and selfishness of the people who were involved, but it was purely due to some security and timing justifications.
You may be aware that the Indian government in the past did its outmost to prevent the Khalistan (Punjab)’s membership in the UNPO. We had no doubt as were advised by the UNPO, if this issue was openly discussed the Iranian regime would had done the same. It also came to our attention when advised by our elder honourable politicians that the longitivity of any national problem in connection to Balochistan issues will be eventually of no further progress so we tried to avoid this as well.

Although the registration of this flag was by the effort of the BPP, we believe this effort was stimulated by all of you and the people of Balochistan so we feel that this was a collective effort and should not apply authoritarian thoughts.
This flag has been recognised by the UNPO as the Balochistan’s flag and doesn’t belong to any political party including BPP.

It is hoped that as a symbol of our nation, it will be raised wherever there is a struggle for Baloch national rights regardless of political differences.
This flag does not belong to any party and no party can use this as their symbol, but this is the symbol of our Baloch Nation’s unity and struggle for their national and democratic rights.
It also must be emphasised that this flag may well be replaced by a stabilised democratic Balochistan’s national assembly’s selected representatives which is the Baloch people’s right.
Finally, due to the factors as mentioned earlier, BPP sincerely apologises for not being in a situation to consult this matter with other parties and appreciate your continued struggle and cooperation with regards to fulfilling our nation’s common objectives.

Balochistan People's Party