“was in clear violation of the tribal rules that the state agencies handpicked Changez as their favourite man to head the Marri tribe and then conducted a show for media. This purpose to impose Changez on us is unacceptable and is yet another conspiracy against the Baloch people”.
The decision to make Mehran the Marri chief was also taken in the context of his elder brother Hyrbyair Marri’s announcement that he was against the tribal system and his calling for its abolition, the statement said. Its understood those in the Marri tribe who spoke against the tribal system were aware that Nawab Khair Baksh Marri had in his own lifetime decided to make Mehran his political and tribal heir.
“The infighting has not been helpful to the Marris as well as to the Baloch struggle for rights, but these differences have come into open and it is clear that the Marri tribe will be headed by Mehran who enjoys the overwhelming support of the Marris because they are aware the late Baloch leader had made his intentions known to all during his lifetime,” said the signatories to the statement.
However, they acknowledged that the Pakistan government will continue to endorse Changez as the official chief while some others will back Hyrbyair Marri who has opposed the tribal system altogether.
The Marri elders said that “speaking against the tribal traditions at this stage is counter-productive and will not be helpful for anyone, therefore it is necessary to follow the centuries old traditions and maintain unity amongst our ranks for greater objectives”.
They said that Baloch nations needs a leader who could take forward the mission of Nawab Marri and that “Mehran Marri has the experience and the calibre to take forward the mission of Balochistan’s Nelson Mandela who had devoted his entire life for and independent and free Balochistan for all the Baloch people”.Mehran Marri confirmed to The News about his appointment and vowed that he will devote his life to carry forward the mission of his father, Nawab Khair Bux Marri.