Hammal Haider’s comments about Khair Bakhsh Marri do not represent the party policy: BNM

The central spokesperson of the Baloch National Movement said that remarks made by Mr. Hammal Haider, the assigned foreign secretary of BNM, about Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri did not represent party policies. He added, “Mr. Hammal Haider's statement on social media is his personal opinion and does not reflect party policies, ideology, and values. We are also aware that because of his vital job in the party, Mr. Haider’s words carry prominence that can negatively influence our struggle. Therefore, a due questioning procedure about his unfortunate comments would be initiated”.

The spokesperson further added, “Nawab Sahib’s role against Pakistani occupation carries historical significance and his noble struggle for freedom is well recognized not only in the Baloch society but also in other oppressed nations. The party founder Shaheed Ghulam Mohammad as well as other leaders have on several occasions expressed their opinions and acknowledged the contributions of Nawab Sahib made in building the Baloch national movement for liberation. Nawab Sahib has rightly been honored with different titles by the pro-independence organizations.”

The spokesperson said that Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri was with no doubt a great ideological leader. He played a vital role in organizing the Baloch national struggle for freedom. Nawab Sahib was the only leader who remained steadfast on his political ideology for the right of freedom to the oppressed nations, despite the opposition of the regional and world powers. His adamant belief in national liberation did not weaken with the shift in the world powers.

“Nawab Sahib’s nationalist ideology for the liberation of Balochistan cannot be denied nor we would allow anyone bringing supremacist NAZI regimes ideology in comparison to an oppressed and occupied peoples' struggles for freedom. We accept that Mr. Haider’s views do not define the character and role of Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri which he played for the people's struggle in Balochistan.”

The central spokesman further added that we had opposed other organizations and individuals who had tried to malign and demean our struggle by attacking personalities like Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri who led the movement. We opposed all those elements who had tried to disparage the struggle of Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri.

On the other hand, BNM had clarified its policy concerning the use of social media. In this regard statements of BNM Chairman Khalil and a guideline from Secretary-General, Dr. Murad Baloch were sent to all the members and leaders of BNM.

The spokesman made clear, “one can oppose the method and policies of any political figure but the use of words which are not only belittling but also enormously hurt the movement’s followers. When it comes to a difference of opinion, BNM has always respected and encouraged it. We kept the political values of freedom including freedom of speech on our priority but did not slip into the level of non-political behaviors and we always tried to cultivate a political culture with healthy debates.”

“The party believes in the diversity of views as well as takes positive criticism as an important part of the development of the national movement. But, insulting, demeaning and disparaging the oppressed peoples' emancipation movement in the guise of critical view and freedom of speech is unacceptable and worth condemning. We make this clear that comparing the character of Nawab Sahib in any remotest way with that of Adolf Hitler is in no doubt a non-political and unacceptable act by Mr. Hammal Haider.”

He said that the party’s assigned foreign secretary comments were regrettable and show his

non-seriousness. This statement of Hammal Haider on social media had offended the feelings and sacrifices of hundreds of thousands of people who are connected with the Baloch national struggle for liberation. We respect the feelings and sacrifices of all these people and Mr. Haider would be questioned in that regard. We reiterate that Hammal Haider’s comments about Khair Bakhsh Marri do not represent the party policy in any way.