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Abstract Simmering tension in Balochistan is the cause of multiple factors. Among them one is the Baloch ethnicity, based on its language, culture and territory. The animosity between state of Pakistan and Baloch started since 1948, when state of Kalat was annexed with Pakistan. The annexation was badly criticized by the Baloch nationalists. On the other hand, the state of Pakistan did not take the matter seriously. esultantly a series of resistant moves were started in Balochistan. The state's reluctance to resolve the issue politically, created further distrust between the two contending actors. All the resistant moves were supressed forcefully which developed anti-state feeling among the Baloch people. The study is an analysis of the nature of the issue of Baloch identity and conflict with state. It is analysed that when state denies the demands of sharing political power or adequate representation in political and administrative institutions, conflictual situation develops between the state and ethnic groups.
Keyword: Ethnicity, Identity, Nationalist, Provincial Autonomy, Historical Narrative, Factional Politics, Socio-Economic Issues, Politics Of Comparison, Distrust, Insurgency.
In Balochistan the centrifugal forces remained operative since its accession with Pakistan. Although centripetal forces are also working for greater unity and integrity with Pakistan but largely they felt deprived and ignored. The public has great resentment about prolonged denial of their due share in national affairs. In reaction, a large number of people are either the part of banned militant outfits or accusing central authority in some other ways. They have expressed their distrust on those who have their share in power with the federalauthority but deliver nothing. The politics of ethnicity is increasing day by day. The conflict is reached at a stage, where insurgents are demanding a separate homeland for their ethnic group. To understand the development of politics of ethnicity in Balochistan,to explore thenature of the issue and the direction of conflict with the state of Pakistan, it is necessary to have a bird eye view on the history of Baloch ethnic group.
History of Baloch Ethnic Group The term Balochis" refers to a confederation of about five hundred tribes and clans. They claim common subjective and objective markers of identity. These are common culture, religion, ancestors, traditions and language (Bijarani, 1974, p.1). Balochis are avowed as a...