December is known as a month when we lost not only a year, but also valuable things— most dear to us. While December allows us to say goodbye to our previous grief, but it is also the month in which we lost our most beloved ones. It brings with it not only cold weather, but also brings a circumstance of despair and sadness. I believe that few have felt truly grateful in December. It was in this month that we lost one of our most precious and prominent leaders— Banuk Karima Baloch.
Banuk was a Baloch political leader who was martyred five years ago on December 21 in the city of Toronto, Canada. She was a student political leader of Baloch Students Organization; later she successfully handed it over to the upcoming leadership. Banuk was not only a political activist but also a complete figure in challenging every aspect of the odd system prevailing in our society. She was not only able to lead a student organisation but also had influenced the generations. She emphasized the importance of involving every Baloch to the struggle and well-being of society. She not only believed that there should be a collective participation, irrespective of gender, profession and age, in political struggle, but also practically proved by exercising her very thoughts.
Banuk was the one who not only highlighted the very odds and conflicts in the Baloch political system, but came forward with a daring heart to eliminate all of these. She proved that a national struggle does not consider you based on a specific gender, though it is a fact that it will identify you; however, it will see you as an individual of the nation. She, by her relentless struggle and unwavering determination, truly influenced everyone to participate in the struggle for the rights of the people, particularly stressing the participation of women.
Although it was the same painful December where we lost a precious character, a prominent figure and a great leader five years ago. But I that hope that her legacy will remain intact.
Banuk Karima will, even after her physical departure, continue to lead us in different forms and in different figures she had formed during her lifetime.
Farewell Banuk.