Baloch body thanks US Congressman for moving resolution on their right to self-determination

Washington, Feb.18 (ANI): The Baloch Society of North America, a leading Baloch diaspora non-profit organization based in Washington, has thanked Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (Republican-California) for introducing an unprecedented resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives that recognizes Balochistan's right to self-determination and its right to establish their own sovereignty.

Describing Rohrabacher, who is the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, as a strong supporter of the Baloch cause, the society said in a statement: "We applaud the courage and tenacity he has demonstrated by shining a light upon the plight of the Baloch for the world to see. Not only has Rohrabacher recognized the Baloch innate right to self-determination, but he also pointed out how U.S. policy has actually hurt the Baloch cause."

The Congressman was earlier quoted as saying: "The political and ethnic discrimination they suffer is tragic and made more so because America is financing and selling arms to their oppressors in Islamabad."

This resolution comes on the heels of a U.S. House Foreign Affairs committee hearing that was organized by Rohrabacher where Pakistan's oppressive tactics and human rights violations in Balochistan were highlighted and condemned.

This landmark bill is the first step towards establishing an independent Balochistan, which was once a sovereign state until it was forcefully annexed by Pakistan on March 27, 1948.

Since then, the people of Occupied Balochistan have struggled to regain their freedom. In attempting to suppress the movement, the society and other human rights organisations said that Pakistan has committed thousands of heinous human rights violations against the Baloch.

It also said that the Punjabi elite was exploiting Balochistan's rich natural resources. (ANI)