Goa and Assam chief ministers weigh in on Balochistan’s future, suggest separatist movement may lead to breakaway — here's what we know

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma have raised concerns over Pakistan's stability, warning that Balochistan could emerge as a separate nation. Their statements come amid renewed attention to the region's separatist movement and historical grievances.

‘Balochistan will be a new country’ says Goa CM

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant recently told BJP workers that Pakistan could soon be divided again, and Balochistan might emerge as a new nation on the global map. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would take "100 per cent revenge" against Pakistan for the recent terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, where 26 people were killed.

Sawant drew a historical parallel by recalling the partition of India and Pakistan and the later creation of Bangladesh in 1971. He stated that Balochistan, which is geographically the largest province in Pakistan, is already fighting Islamabad. He noted that Baloch groups have long claimed that their territory was forcibly annexed into Pakistan.

Sawant also highlighted India's secularism in contrast to Pakistan, saying that India’s minority communities have grown peacefully since Partition. He emphasised that Hindus, Muslims, and Christians live in harmony in India, maintaining the country’s secular identity.

Criticising the Congress party, Sawant said, "Modi is not like them... he won’t tolerate." He added that the Indian government has already asked Pakistani nationals to leave India and will not allow them entry until Pakistan stops promoting terrorism.

Assam CM calls Balochistan movement a fight for freedom

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also had similar views by calling the Balochistan freedom movement a symbol of an indigenous people's struggle for dignity and rights. In a post on social media, Sarma explained that the movement traces back to 1947-48, when the princely state of Kalat, part of today's Balochistan, tried to remain independent after British colonial rule ended.

Sarma said Balochistan was forcibly annexed by Pakistan in March 1948, leading to long-standing resentment among the native population. Over the years, political disenfranchisement, economic neglect, and cultural suppression have sparked multiple uprisings in 1958, 1962, 1973, and the early 2000s.

Despite Balochistan’s wealth in natural resources, Sarma pointed out that the local population continues to suffer from underdevelopment and systematic exploitation by the Pakistani central government.

Nawab Bugti’s death and Nawaz Sharif’s new approach

Recalling an important moment, Sarma spoke about the 2006 killing of respected Baloch tribal leader Nawab Akbar Bugti. He described it as a painful chapter that reignited demands for justice and self-determination among the Baloch people.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif recently called for a political solution to the Balochistan issue. He announced plans to visit the province and meet local leaders, acknowledging that the grievances of the Baloch people must be addressed through political dialogue.

The situation in Balochistan continues to remain tense, with growing voices for independence and international attention on Pakistan's internal crisis.