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GS Paper 2– India and its Neighbourhood Relations |
Why in the news?
Protests, uprisings, and violence in Balochistan have persisted, which highlights ongoing issues of governance and ethnic tensions in Pakistan.
Recent Protests were called by – the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).
The purpose of the protests was to draw attention to problems such as resource exploitation, human rights abuses, and the government’s deficiency of essential services.
About Balochistan :
Pakistan’s westernmost province is called Balochistan.
It shares borders with the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab (northeast and east), Iran (west), Afghanistan (northwest), Sindh province (southeast), and the Arabian Sea (south).
It is the largest province of Pakistan but it is the least populated one.
The vast plateau of Balochistan is covered with rugged terrain.
It boasts the largest deepwater port in the world, the Port of Gwadar, situated in the Arabian Sea.
Factors and Reasons for the Latest Protests in Balochistan:
Since the area’s forcible entry into Pakistan in 1948, Balochistan has long been a bastion of defiance against the federal government.
Background :
The Khan of Kalat proclaimed Balochistan to be an independent nation in 1947. But in 1948, Pakistan’s government pushed for its federation.
Pakistan acquired Gwadar, which was formerly a part of Oman, in 1958.
Under the One Unit plan, Balochistan was combined into a single province in 1955, which reduced regional autonomy and centralized authority.
Even after this program was terminated in 1970, local government was still inadequate.
Political Unrest: The persistent concentration of power, the absence of true federalism, and the frequent overthrow of regional governments have all contributed to unrest.
Economic Neglect: Balochistan is one of Pakistan’s poorest provinces despite having abundant natural gas, coal, gold, copper, and other resources. Feelings of economic unfairness have been exacerbated by the fact that the local community has not benefited from resource exploitation.
Cultural and Ethnic Identity: As a result of assimilation initiatives, Balochistan has maintained a unique cultural and historical identity, which has frequently caused conflicts with the central government.
Human Rights Violations: As part of Pakistan’s counter-insurgency policy, there have been several reports in the region of forced disappearances, executions in custody, and staged encounters.
Role of China in this region:
- Gwadar Port and Military Attachment Issues: Fears of possible militarization have been expressed regarding the Gwadar port, which is leased to a Chinese company for 40 years. This may potentially disrupt local lives, particularly for the fishing populations.
Protests have also been triggered by the presence of Chinese trawlers because of worries about illicit fishing. - Influence of CPEC: Fears of demographic shifts brought on by the inflow of foreigners entering Balochistan for CPEC-related projects have further polarized the local populace.
Indian Standpoint:
From an Indian outlook, the geopolitical implications of Balochistan are what drew India’s attention, considering the region’s strategic importance due to its location and the port of Gwadar’s proximity to the Strait of Hormuz.
Diplomatic Stance: As a counternarrative to Pakistan’s position on Kashmir, India has occasionally brought attention to human rights abuses in Balochistan, particularly in international forums. India is still involved, but cautiously to prevent tensions with Pakistan from rising.
Effect on Stability in the Region: South Asia’s security situation is made more difficult by China’s participation and the instability in Balochistan.
India’s strategy is expected to centre on striking a balance between its strategic objectives and upholding international rules to support the rights of the Baloch people.
Way ahead:
Diplomatic Advocacy: To prevent growing tensions with Pakistan, India should continue to draw attention to human rights issues in Balochistan at international forums. By doing so, it will present itself as a champion of human rights.
Strategic Monitoring: To protect its strategic interests and the stability of the region, India should keep a careful eye on events in Balochistan, especially with reference to Chinese activity in the Gwadar port.
Empathically addressing local challenges, the Pakistani government ought to prioritize human rights and community-driven economic development.
Make sure the local community benefits from projects like CPEC and is involved in the planning and implementation process.
To stop more upheaval, give regions more authority and deal with political and racial problems.
Mains PYQ:
Q The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (150 Words, 10 Marks) (UPSC IAS/2018)
Q ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (UPSC CSE 2017)
Q China and Pakistan have agreed in the development of an economic corridor. What threat does this pose to India’s security? Critically examine (UPSC CSE 2014)
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