Writer: Chagall Baloch
13th November, Baloch Martyrs Day, is a sacred and rare day of remembrance in the history of Balochistan, a day to honor the brave warriors who fought for their land and freedom. On this precious occasion, I pay a red salute to the great sons of Balochistan who sacrificed everything for the sole purpose of freeing their motherland from the grip of colonization.
Among those brave souls, Martyr Arif, alias Shikari, stands out as one such hero who valiantly fought against the enemy till his last bullet and embraced martyrdom in the soul of Balochistan.
Martyr Shikari, you dedicated your entire life to this sacred homeland. You chose martyrdom over surrender. Every drop of your fallen blood will blossom like flowers for the generations to come.
We feel your absence deeply, but this sacred soil embraces its beloved sons. You are not gone , you live on in the mountains and jungles of Balochistan. When the wind blows, it whispers your name, reminding us that you are still alive.
Martyr Shikari (Arif) , a warrior of unyielding spirit, whose life was a testament to unwavering devotion to his motherland and nation. Your bravery and sacrifice will forever be remembered in the annals of history, inspiring generations to come. Your legacy lives on a shining example of selflessness and a true lover of the land.
Your “Zairoonk” echoes through the mountains of Kolowa, teaching the youth of the nation to sacrifice for their homeland and guiding them to become loyal warriors protectors of the soil, mountains and every essence of this land. I still remember those scorching days of May when we met under the shade of trees. You smiled and said,
“Shikari is getting old ,my dark hair is turning white”.
I laughed and replied,
“You’re not old, my brave warrior. You can still spend hundreds of years in the mountains of Balochistan.”
But fate had other plans.
Your days were numbered and you embraced martyrdom on May 12, 2023, alongside Major Asumi and your other sangats. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Your name remains immortal in the history of Balochistan.
Throughout history, no nation has been able to abstain from war especially when defending its land and sovereignty. War has been the mother of art, literature and legacy, immortalizing those who fought for their nation’s freedom. As Mao Zedong aptly said,
“War is the highest form of struggle”.
Shikari (Arif), as a son of this land, chose the path of war against colonial forces, driven by his deep love for his people and their rights. His unwavering commitment and ultimate sacrifice will forever stand as a testament to his courage and devotion.
You left behind everything sons, daughters, wife, parents and the comfort of home for one sacred purpose: to free your land from the occupiers who have long exploited our resources and suppressed our people.
Shikari Arif, your dedication to the cause has left an indelible mark on the history of Balochistan.
As a trusted and loyal warrior, you stood shoulder to shoulder with your comrade, Major Asumi, fighting valiantly against the enemy. Your courage in the face of overwhelming odds fighting till your last bullet is a testament to your unshakable resolve.
Your sacrifice will never be forgotten and your name will forever be etched in the history of Balochistan as a hero who gave everything for his land and people.
My dear hero Shikari, you live on in the hearts of every youth of the Baloch nation.
