Throughout Baloch history, the women have risen up to challenge systems of injustice and inequality, often through the courage and leadership of revolutionary figures. Among them, Hammeeda Baloch, a young and fearless revolutionary from Awaran Balochistan, stands as an enduring symbol of resistance. Her life, filled with purpose and sacrifice, echoes the call for justice, dignity, and the self-determination of the oppressed, particularly the Baloch people’s struggle for recognition. Like a beacon in the dark, her spirit continues to inspire those young Baloch women who seek a world free from exploitation and domination.
Hammeda Baloch, much like the great revolutionary figures who came before her, embodied the principles of resistance and the pursuit of justice. Her life was rooted in the ideals of nationalism and Baloch national movement, particularly the fight against exploitation, imperialism, and colonial oppression. Understanding the broader political and social context of her struggle, along with the theoretical framework of her activism, is essential to appreciating her revolutionary fervor.
The Struggle for Justice in BalochistanBalochistan, a region rich in natural resources, has long been a site of economic exploitation and cultural suppression. Divided among Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, the Baloch people have faced marginalization and violence as they seek self-determination and recognition of their rights to land, resources, and political autonomy. The region’s wealth, from oil and gas reserves to mineral resources, has been siphoned off by multinational corporations and the central governments, with little benefit to the local population.In this climate of exploitation and disenfranchisement, Hammeda Baloch also rose as a resistor and advocate for the Baloch people. Her activism was not simply a protest against a political system—it was a challenge to the entrenched social, economic, and imperialist structures that kept the Baloch people in a state of subjugation.
A passionate woman of BSAC during University, she called on the youth to unite in the struggle against colonialism, and capitalist oppression, while demanding the recognition of Baloch identity and rights. She as a mother was also on road. Hameeda Baloch was really a realistic comrade. such as Che Guevara, “If you tremble with indignation at every injustice, then you are a comrade of mine.” Hammeeda’s life was a testament to this spirit, as she dared to confront the status quo, knowing that true justice would only come through revolutionary change.
The nationalist Framework:
Fighting for Liberation and EqualityHammeeda’s revolutionary vision was grounded in post-colonial theory, particularly its emphasis on class struggle and the right of oppressed nations to self-determination. Post-colonial views history as a constant conflict between the settlers (those who hold different cultural, geography, languages, traditional practices came for imposing them for the purpose of economic and political power) and the natives (those who are culturally, geographically, and linguistically different and are forcefully controlled). In the case of Balochistan, the oppressors were not only the Pakistani state but also multinational corporations that exploited the region’s resources without providing for its people. China, Iran and other some countries are trying to control Baloch people; therefore, Baloch land has become a war-zone where everyday a new incident happens.
In such place, way to self-recognitions is to resist. Che Guevara’s famous words, “The revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall,” deeply resonated with Hammeda. She understood that Baloch identity can cannot be recognized passively, but through active resistance, even in the face of overwhelming odds. She saw the brutalities, abduction, rape case in rural areas and exploitation of Baloch resources, the suppression of culture, and the political disenfranchisement of the people as part of a larger colonial and capitalist system. This system could only be dismantled through organized struggle and Mass solidarity.
As Lenin’s assertion that “The oppressed class must, by all means, achieve its freedom… It is not a question of whether we want to help the oppressed class, but of whether we can help the oppressed class,” encapsulated the essence of Hammeda’s activism. She saw the Baloch struggle as part of a global fight for justice, Baloch recognition, and the overthrow of colonialism.
The Price of Revolution:
Sacrifice and ResilienceRevolution is never ignited without its costs, and Hammeda Baloch’s journey was no exception. The Baloch resistance, especially under young leaders like her, was met with fierce repression from the Pakistani state. As Mao Zedong famously said, “Revolution is not a dinner party,” and Hammeda’s life bore witness to the painful truth of this statement. Despite the constant threats to her safety and family life, Hammeeda remained unwavering in her commitment to the cause. Her activism led to numerous confrontations with the harassment, and even attempts on her life. Yet, she continued to mobilize her community, inspiring countless others to join the struggle. Tragically, her life was cut short when she was assassinated by cancer, but her death did not extinguish the flame she had ignited. She is still alive and eternal.
Her surprise farewell, instead of silencing her cause, galvanized the other women. Her life and death became a rallying cry for those who are in the battlefield for justice and autonomy. In the face of such violence, her legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by revolutionaries who dare to confront injustice. Her martyrdom only deepened the resolve of her supporters, turning her into a symbol of resilience in the face of oppression.
Solidarity in Struggle:
The Mass Relevance of Hammeeda’s FightThe legacy of Hammeda Baloch’s revolutionary spirit is not confined to the rural areas. Her activism was part of a real Baloch Mass Movement for the rights of oppressed peoples. Figures like Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, and Mao Zedong emphasized the importance of solidarity in the fight against such powers.
Fidel Castro once said, “A revolutionary must be a cold, calculating person, for whom the love of his people and the desire for the triumph of justice must come before everything else.” This devotion to the cause was evident in Hammeda’s life, as she placed the Baloch cause above all else, never wavering in her commitment to their will.
She started resisting when her brother, sagheer Baloch, had been abducted by security forces. Her brother was released later but she still resisted. She knew that it is a collective genocidal process. Her struggle underscores a critical lesson: the fight for justice is interconnected. The oppression of one people is the oppression of all. Hammeeda’s unwavering dedication to the cause of national honor and social justice reminds that the struggle for a just world requires solidarity across Balochistan.
Conclusion:
The Enduring Legacy of Hammeda BalochHammeeda Baloch’s life serves as a testament to the power of revolutionary thought and action. She embodied the ideals of nationalism, the fight against fascist sate, and the quest for justice for the oppressed. In the words of Karl Marx, “The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point is to change it.” Hammeda’s life was dedicated to changing the Baloch Society.As the Baloch struggle for self-determination continues, Hammeda’s legacy lives on—both in the memory of her actions and in the ongoing fight for justice, freedom, and equality. Her revolutionary spirit, her call for unity, and her unyielding commitment to the cause of liberation remain a beacon of hope for all those who dare to dream of a better, fairer world. The struggle, as Hammeda taugh, is unyielding—and it will continue to burn brightly as long as there are those willing to carry the torch of resistance.