'Republic of Balochistan' campaign gains traction online amid India-Pak tensions

Several Indian leaders and platforms too are supporting the trend.

Mumbai: Amid the India-Pakistan tensions, the “Republic of Balochistan” campaign spearheaded by Baloch nationalist leader, human rights activist, and writer Mir Yar Baloch “declaring” Independence, has been gaining traction.

The hashtags - #RepublicOfBalochistan, #BalochistanIsNotPakistan, #BalochistanIndependence, #KnowBalochistanNoPakistan - are trending globally with thousands of posts and photos on the microblogging platform X.

The demands include a declaration of Quetta as the capital, Gwadar as commercial capital, and Hinglaj Mata Mandir as the spiritual capital.

Baloch urged the Indian government to permit the establishment of a Baloch embassy in New Delhi and also called on the United Nations to send peacekeeping forces to Balochistan and demanded an immediate withdrawal of the Pakistani Army from the region.

“We have already declared our independence on August 11, 1947, when the British were leaving Balochistan and the subcontinent," said Mir Yar Baloch, a Baloch representative, writer, freelance journalist and human rights activist.

Several Indian leaders and platforms are also supporting the trend.

“Time for India to recognise Balochistan as a nation and plead for its UN membership,” veteran politician and thinker Subramanian Swamy, a former MP and ex-minister, said.

"From 1839 to today, Balochistan has suffered colonial invasion, division, and foreign occupation. First the British, now Pakistan and Iran. It’s time for India and the World powers Recognize Independent Balochistan. #BalochistanIsNotPakistan", pointed out Beebagr Baloch, another prominent Baloch leader.

“Pakistan seeks global sympathy for Indian strikes, while silencing Baloch voices with guns. The irony writes itself,” he said.

“Very soon, there will be a friendly match between #Balochistan and #Bharat cricket teams, played in Delhi or Gwadar. And all will enjoy the match together,” said Mir Yar Baloch.

Uncensored News, in its X post said: “Baloch leaders declared the “Republic of Balochistan” and launched the hashtag #RepublicOfBalochistan. They voiced support for India’s stance on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and pledged to sue Pakistan for war crimes at the ICC. Leaders offered Balochistan’s resources in exchange for India’s support and called for international recognition. Kashish Chaudhary was named the region’s first Hindu female Assistant Commissioner.

Akhand Bharat Sankalp, wrote on X: “Pakistan loses #Balochistan... Baloch declare independence and the Republic of Balochistan is born! Call for recognition from the UN and India grows louder.Congratulations to #RepublicOfBalochistan on its freedom India should allow them to open a consulate in New Delhi #Freedom."

X handle Free Balochistan said that Pakistani generals would be prosecuted for war crimes. “#BalochistanParliament will soon be passing a resolution to drag Pakistani all perpetrators of the military generals to the international criminal court for their war crimes in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, India and Balochistan. #Balochistan,(sic)" it said.

Videos of Dr Mahrang Baloch, a prominent Baloch human rights activist and medical doctor, are also trending online. A resistance leader, Dr Mahrang Baloch leads the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).