New Delhi: The Republic of Balochistan has strongly condemned what it described as an alleged attempt by the Pakistan Navy to deliberately ram an Indian naval vessel within the maritime boundaries of Balochistan, calling the reported act an “unforgivable crime”.
In a statement dated September 16, the Republic of Balochistan alleged that Pakistan’s naval presence in Balochistan’s maritime boundaries posed a growing threat not only to the people of Balochistan but also to neighbouring countries, including India.
The statement called upon the Pakistan Navy to immediately vacate what Balochistan described as its maritime boundaries, arguing that Pakistan had no right to remain there or create security threats for neighbouring countries.
Proposal for Joint Maritime Security Mechanism
The Republic of Balochistan proposed the establishment of a joint maritime security and patrolling mechanism involving India, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
According to the statement, the proposed arrangement would seek to safeguard the waters of Balochistan, the Indian Ocean and the Gulf against what it described as potential Pakistani infiltration, unauthorised incursions and violations of maritime sovereignty.
Balochistan said such cooperation could strengthen regional maritime security, protect territorial waters and contribute to peace, stability and mutual security among the participating countries.
The statement further asserted that Balochistan considers itself an independent country and said the presence of Pakistan’s naval, air and ground forces on its territory constituted a threat to its citizens.
Gwadar and Baloch Sea Focus of Statement
The Republic of Balochistan said it was no longer prepared to tolerate what it termed Pakistan’s “hooliganism” in Gwadar and the Baloch Sea. It also stated that Balochistan would not allow its land, sea or airspace to be used for aggression against neighbouring countries, specifically naming India and Afghanistan.
The statement also appealed to India and other regional allies to support capacity-building, training and defensive capabilities for Balochistan’s Navy, Air Force and Ground Forces.
It claimed that Balochistan could potentially field a 500,000-strong army and said such forces could be used to remove Pakistani forces from its territory, resources and coastline.
From Gwadar to Chabahar
The Republic of Balochistan further said that, if provided with a naval fleet, its Navy could work with India, Oman, the UAE and other countries on maritime security initiatives stretching from Gwadar to Chabahar, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman to the Indian Ocean.
It said such cooperation could focus on combating maritime piracy and what it described as Pakistan’s unwarranted maritime interference.
