FORMATION OF THE ANJUMAN

The young group of Baloch nationalists approached Mir yousuf Ali Aziz Magassi in Quetta jail and announced the formation of the Anjuman-e-Itahad-e-Balochistan (Organization for the Unity of Balochistan). The aim of this organization was to work united independent Balochistan as well as to demand reforms in Balochistan. The demands for constitutional reforms in the state were initiated in 1931 in the form of a movement against the Prime Minister, Sir Shams Shah, a Punjabi from Gujarat.

The Anjuman on Independent Balochistan

1st ALL INDIA BALOCH COFERENCE;

The Anjuman had declared its goal to be the establishment of an independent and united Balochistan with a representative form of government. Voicing his thoughts this connection the General Secretary of the Anjuman said on December 13, 1932: In the magazine ‘Zamindar” of September 9, 1932, I have presented an ideology to separate Balochistan from India and form an independent Muslim government in this country, which I had formulated not today but twelve years ago in 1920 in view of local conditions, and which I had expressed before the world earlier m 1922 in a publication of the newspaper “Hamdam” ... I want to see a constitutional government in Balochistan which is purely Islamic and independent in all aspects. That is, just as I cannot like the fact that Balochistan remains under the slavery of the Hindus, I am also opposed to my country wearing the enslaving chains of the colonizing Europeans.

We must remember the fact that the All India Muslim League had not yet formu­lated the demand for Pakistan. Instead, having faith in a United India, they were struggling for preservation of the rights of Indian Muslims.

The reaction to the Anjuman’s ideology of an Independent Balochistan was extremely harsh in the subcontinent. In an editorial, Mr. Majid, editor of “Muslim Outlook” Lahore, adjudged this proposal and demand to be a retreating echo of European imperialism. The Daily “Zamindar” of Lahore, also opposed this viewpoint. The Baloch leader like Yusuf Magassi, Aziz Kurd, and Azim Mazari rejected the allegation of Muslim leaders of India and the Indian press.

Infect the Indian leaders and their press had very little knowledge about the history, culture, and political status of Balochistan.

On October 20, 1932, the appointed leaders of the Anjuman, Mir Yusuf Ali Magassi, Sardar Jamal Khan Leghari, Nawab Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani, and Sardar Ghulam Rasool Kurai, issued the following joint statement regarding the purpose of the Conference.

It has been decided to convene the Balochistan and All India Baloch Conference at Jacobabad in the month of December (1932). The Baloch are properly acquainted

With democratic principles but our nation is being tremendously affected by external Influences. Consequently, we have no choice but to organize ourselves by establishing bonds of unity and alliance. Otherwise, this will result in our lagging behind all other nations. Our objectives are the following extremely important aims ... Unity of Baloch, compulsory education, protection of rights, religious education, and legal reforms. We have faith that members of our na­tion will spare no efforts to make this conference a success.”

The Conference commenced at Jacobabad on December 27, 1932, with the Presiden­tial address by Mir Ali Nawaz Khan Talpur, the ruler of Khairpur, in which he cau­tioned the Baloch to avoid the negative aspects of politics, the results of which lead to the destruction of nations.

The Conference ended on December 29, 1932. Numerous resolutions were passed. The following demands were the most significant, aiming to create a social base for Ba­loch nationalism:

1. The abolition of the Frontier Crimes Regulation,

2. The establishment of a constitutional government in Balochistan.

3. The establishment of industries in Balochistan,

4. The establishment of colleges of advanced education in Balochistan,

5. To unite the Baloch, that is, to create the unification of the different parts of Balochistan.

2nd ALL INDIA BALOCH CONFERENCE

A second Baloch Conference was convened at Hyderabad (Sindh) towards the end of December, 1933. While supporting the resolutions of the previous Conference, the se­cond Conference stressed the establishment of a constitutional government in Balochis­tan. In January, 1934, the Anjuman’s General Secretary was arrested. His message to the Party at the time of his arrest is of considerable interest here. “Comrades, You must understand Britain’s position in Balochistan very well.

Do not view it from the perspective of Indian politics. Keeping in view the signi­ficance of our country for all of Asia constitutes your political ideology un­der provisional exigencies in accordance with local conditions and national as­pirations. The Baloch nation should not imitate Afghan, Indian or any foreign politics. You should impress on your minds the fact that Britain has neither conquered your country nor bought it from anyone. Therefore you are not her slaves and she is not your master. In fact, Britain has set up temporary camp in your country with the status of a trader holding special concessions by vir­tue of friendly and equal treaties. Therefore you must always be aware of your true status and political dignity.”

This articles posted by Amin Goshti