'Unwavering support to Bharat': Baloch rights activist writes to Jaishankar
What's the story
A prominent Baloch leader and human rights activist, Mir Yar Baloch, has raised concerns about the growing Beijing-Islamabad alliance. He fears that China might station its military troops in Pakistan's Balochistan region in the coming months. In an open letter to Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on the social media platform X, he highlighted decades of oppression that Balochistan has faced for the past seventy-nine years under Pakistani rule, including state-sponsored violence and human rights violations.
Independence announcement
Balochistan declares independence from Pakistan
Incidentally, in May 2025, Baloch nationalist leaders announced their independence from Pakistan. Baloch has declared that the Republic of Balochistan will host the "2026 Balochistan Global Diplomatic Week" in early 2026, allowing direct diplomatic engagement with other nations. In his New Year message to Jaishankar, he praised India's decisive action against Pakistan-backed terrorism through "Operation Sindoor" that came after last year's Pahalgam terror attack.
Diplomatic gesture
Baloch leader congratulates India, highlights cultural ties
"On behalf of the six crore patriotic citizens of the Republic of Balochistan, we extend our deepest and most sincere congratulations for the New Year 2026 to the one hundred and forty crore people of Bharat," Baloch said in his message. He cited sacred sites like Hinglaj Mata Temple (Nani Mandir) as symbols of their shared heritage. The activist reiterated support for India in promoting peace, prosperity, development, trade, defense cooperation, and security challenges.
Struggle outlined
Balochistan's struggle against Pakistan's state occupation
Baloch highlighted Balochistan's struggle against Pakistan's state occupation and terrorism for 79 years, stating, "The time has now arrived to eradicate this festering affliction at its roots, ensuring lasting peace and sovereignty for our nation." The activist also warned of the dangers posed by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, calling it "profoundly dangerous." He said if Baloch resistance forces aren't strengthened, China could have a military presence in Balochistan without local consent within a few months.
Twitter Post
Baloch activist Mir Yar Baloch's open letter to S Jaishankar
Open letter to Honorable Foreign Minister of #Bharat Shri @DrSJaishankar ji
— Mir Yar Baloch (@miryar_baloch) January 1, 2026
From,
Baloch Representative,
Republic of Balochistan
State.
The Honorable Dr. S. Jaishankar,
Minister of External Affairs,
Government of Bharat,
South Block, Raisina Hill,
New Delhi – 110011
January… https://t.co/WdjaACsG2V pic.twitter.com/IOEusbUsOB
Denial issued
China-Pakistan deny military expansion under CPEC
On the other hand, both China and Pakistan have consistently denied allegations of military expansion under CPEC, claiming that it is an economic project. Notably, by 2022, Chinese investment in Pakistan rose to $65 billion. "CPEC 2.0" focuses on deeper cooperation, new corridors (industrial, digital, green), and faster implementation of critical projects, such as ML-1 and Gwadar Port. Nonetheless, India resolutely opposes CPEC, stating that it passes through Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POK) and raises issues around sovereignty and security