PROGRAMME AND CONSTITUTION

 

OF

 

BALUCHISTAN .E. RAJI ZROMBESH

 

(BALUCHISTAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT - IRAN)

 

APPROVAL OF 2006 CONFERENCE

 

 

CORRESPONDING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX: 46706, LONDON SW17 9YA – UK info@zrombesh.org  

 or  

www.zrombesh.org

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Iran is a multination state in which Baloch nation is one. Inclusion of these nations to present Iran is the consequences of political upheavals in the world polity at various stages. Currently Baloch nation’s national movement and struggle have gained a new impetus after several decades from the forceful division of Balochistan by the Qajar dynasty and British Empire.

 

The new world order which was shaped after the collapse of the Soviet bloc, has rapidly been taking momentum following the tragic event of 9/11 in 2001. In the process not only political foundations of many rouge countries weakened but also their state structures were undermined. The fall of fundamentalist regime of Taliban in Afghanistan and demise of the autocratic regime in Iraq are prime examples of political events and developments in the Middle-East. In many countries sadly, perhaps inevitably many people suffered heavy loss of lives and expenses in the process of change for democracy and attainment of their national rights.

 

The failure of dictators of former Yugoslavia to realize and recognize the advancement of democracy and to grasp the political circumstances of the time in the world polity, in specific the rise of national movements of oppressed nations in Yugoslavia, and their failure to recognize the legitimate national rights of constituent nations caused harrowing bloodshed with subsequent total international isolation and demise of Yugoslavia.

 

Due respect and recognition to universal principle of Rights of Self-determination in former Czechoslovakia rightly prevented bloodshed and killing. In a very civilized manner the two nations of Czech and Slovak agreed and worked amicably to create two independent states as the will of their nations.

 

The national struggle of Catalan nation to have their national identity constitutionally recognized as a nation in the multination state of Spain, and to achieve substantial autonomy is an afresh development in dealing justly with the issue of national rights, in recognition of national identity and equal rights of sub-nations, and in furthering democracy.

 

In neighborhood of Iran the national struggle of Kurd nation in Iraq which has been inspired and influenced by the process of democracy and by ongoing favorable international polity succeeded in its fight against the unjustly prescribed notion of ‘one-nation state’ and in institutionalization of federalism in close collaboration with other forces in Iraq, and won the constitutional recognition of Kurd nation’s identity and its rights.

 

In comparison to Iraq, the Iranian society is much more heterogeneous for the reason that it has more nations, hence founding a federal system based on ‘multination’ criteria in Iran is vitally imperative. The dictatorial regime of Islamic Republic of Iran by forceful suppression of democratic demands of people has created such an oppressive environment that all civilized means for achieving ones national rights and citizenry are non-existence in Iran. Therefore people’s fight for due rights in Iran is taking place in many forms.

In addition Balochistan is not the same as it was several years ago intellectually or socially. A new generation has entered in the economic and social arena. The new generation is much more aware of its national rights from its predecessors. Hence they are more organized and determined to secure their political and social rights.

 

Born out of ongoing Baloch national struggle, a small group of Baloch fighters under the leadership of Rahim Zardkohi founded the first nucleus of Baloch national movement in clandestine in Balochistan-Iran in 1972. Unfortunately before the group could gather a large popular ground, most of its leading members were identified, then arrested and put in jails.

 

Following the popular uprising of Iranian people in 1979, the group once again started its political struggle under the name of Balochistan -e- Raji Zrombesh (Balochistan National Movement). Subsequently in 1982 BNM attracted and brought a number of Baloch intellectuals and activists into its fold, and introduced an afresh organizational structure and changed its name to Baloch Raj -e- Zrombesh (Baloch Nations Movement).

From then on the BNM drafted and published its first program for Balochistan. Then with onerous efforts of leadership, the First Plenum was held. Since then Balochistan National Movement has been actively advocating Baloch national movement, organizing the national struggle of Balochistan and propagating Balochistan national movement in an extensive scale by publishing its first organ ’BALOCHISTAN’, then a secondary organ ‘ZROMBESH’ followed by launch of its web-site ‘zrombesh.org’.

 

In 1991 the First Conference of the BNM was convened. The Conference charged the new central committee with the task of convening the first congress of organization.

It also commissioned a committee to assess the programme and the constitution of organization, and present its findings and recommendations to the proceeding congress.

 

Two years later through consistent hard work by the active members of the organization the First Congress was convened, in which the autonomy programme and the constitution were debated and amended.

 

The Congress decided that the name of the organization be restored to its original name as Balochistan -e- Raji Zrombesh (Balochistan National Movement).

 

Since then BNM has convened several congresses, conferences and plenums. The Conference of 2005 commissioned a committee to work on ‘federalism plan’, and to re-evaluate the autonomy programme & the constitution. The committee was required to submit its work and policy recommendations to the proceeding Conference for debate and consideration.

 

The federalism plan and policy recommendations on the programme for Balochistan and the constitution were presented to the Conference of 2006 by the committee. After sufficient debate and assessments these were approved by the Conference with necessary amendments.

 

PROGRAMME

 

Iran is a multination state which in there, Baloch like Iran’s other nations is striving for its national-democratic rights and founding of a democratic system in Iran.

For reason of rich diversity in Iran, founding of a federal system for Iran is imperative.

 

 

FUNDEMENTALS OF FEDERAL SYTEM

 

1.      Recognition of rights of self-determination to all nations of Iran

2.      A federal system founded on ‘nation’ criteria

3.      Political-Administrative division of country  to new form of federated regions

4.      Power sharing structure between federation and federated regions

5.      Equal representation of federated regions in the highest key bodies of federation through their elected representatives

6.      Establishment of democracy

7.      Commitment to universal declaration of human rights and to UN charter

8.      Establishment of individual and collective rights

9.       Establishment of parity between men and women

10.  Establishment of secularism and respect for religious rights

11.  Denunciation of expansionist policy

 

 

The Responsibilities and Powers of the Federal Government

 

1.      Direct participation of representatives of federative regions in federal government

2.      Protection of the fundamentals and the constitution of federation

3.      Realization of par and enduring relationships between federated regions

4.      Conduct of federal affair, which are as follows:

a-      Foreign policy

b-     Economic policies of large scale

The scale economic policies shall be devised as such to reflect the requirements and planning of federated regions

 

c-      Monetary policy

d-     Defence

All military deployments shall be conducted in agreement with and supervision of the federated region in concern.

 

 

 

THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT AND BASES OF FEDERATED REGION

 

1.      The territory of federated region of Balochistan shall comprise the entire Balochistan of Iran.

The boundaries of federated region of Balochistan shall be determined by considering the historic and cultural factors

2.      National Assembly of Balochistan shall be deemed as the highest body in federated region of Balochistan which acts as the legislature.

3.      The National Assembly in Balochistan shall be formed through free, direct and secret voting system

4.      Maintaining law and order in Balochistan shall remain the domain of the Federated Government of Balochistan

5.      Balochi is the official language of Federated Region of Balochistan

Provision: correspondence with the federal government and with other federated regions shall be conducted in Farsi

 

6.      The budget of Federated Region of Balochistan will be acquired by allotting a portion of the country's overall income as well as through natural resources and the institutionalized incomes of Federated Government of Balochistan

7.      Economic, political, cultural and administrative affairs of Federated Region of Balochistan shall remain the domain of Federated Government of Balochistan.

 

 

 

Economic Policy

 

1.      The Federated Government of Balochistan shall pursue a market economy

2.      The Federated Government of Balochistan shall assist national capital investors to invest in Balochistan

3.      Federated Government of Balochistan shall levy minimum possible tax levels

4.       Federated Government of Balochistan shall endeavour to eliminate unemployment and remedy economic retardation through planning and implementation of industrial projects such as creating factories and exploiting natural resources etc

5.      The Federated Government of Balochistan shall endeavour to overcome agricultural and farming difficulties by taking measures such as building dams to harness water, exploiting the underground waters and by providing agricultural and farming facilities

6.      The success of industrial and agricultural projects depends upon transport and communication infrastructure. Hence, roads and telecommunication systems will be expanded in Balochistan

7.      Ports are one of the main channels of economic growth. Hence the Federated Government of Balochistan shall endeavour to build modern docks and wharfs in the coastal areas

8.      Fishermen of Balochistan lack appropriate and necessary fishing equipments and therefore are deprived of necessary facilities. The Federated Government of Balochistan shall take the appropriate measures to address such needs

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social and Political Rights

 

A: Social

 

1.      The Federated Government of Balochistan assumes the responsibility of providing the means of employment for inhabitants of Balochistan

2.      Equal pay for men and women against equally comparative work

3.      The Federated Government of Balochistan shall insure inhabitants of Balochistan against disability and age; and injuries from service of state

4.      Retirement shall be available for inhabitants of Balochistan

5.      Trade Unions shall take direct part in the legislative process concerning employment and work in the Federated Government of Balochistan

6.      The majority of people in Balochistan are deprived of decent accommodation. Hence the Federated Government of Balochistan shall take appropriate measures to overcome this vital shortcoming

7.      Provision of water and electricity for the inhabitant of Balochistan.

 

B: Political

 

In order to establish democracy and to guarantee the liberty of the people of Balochistan, the Federated Government of Balochistan shall ensure the under-mentioned provisions:

1.      Freedom of speech, press, belief; and abolition of censorship; prohibition of any kind of inquisition

2.      Freedom of political activities and the right to set up political parties & associations

3.      Equality between men and women in the society

4.      Freedom to choose any occupation and place of residence

5.       The right of industrial strike, picketing, and demonstrations

6.      Provision of the right of defence for all the accused and their trail in open courts.

 

Cultural Policy

 

1.      Language:

 

a-   The Baloch people speak in Balochi, the medium through which they communicate their economic and exchange needs. The Federated Government of Balochistan shall take urgent measures to address the historical shortcomings concerning the publishing of Balochi books and strengthening of the language

b-   Persian language will be taught in primary schools from the 4th grade thereafter

 

c-    The ethnic groups in Balochistan shall be allowed to study in their own mother tongue and publish their literature and books in their respective languages.

2.      Expansion of the educational establishment:

 

There are limited educational institutions in Balochistan. The Federated Government of Balochistan shall take appropriate measures to expand and develop such institutions according to regional requirements.

 

3.      Establishment of Science Academy:

 

The Federated Government of Balochistan has a duty to establish a science academy with a mission to expand and further Balochi language, compile the political, social and cultural history of the Baloch nation.

 

4.      Religion:

a-   Various Iranian regimes have desecrated Sunnism through propagating Shi'ism and in particular through the imposition of the principle of "Shias Supreme Guidance"(Valayat -e-Faghi) and the provision 13 of the Iranian constitution. Hence the Federated Government of Balochistan shall put an end to this kind of religious superiority and bring about equality of religions

b-   Religious practices shall be free, and religious leaders can express their ideas and publicize them.

 

5.      Customs and Traditions:

Baloch people as a nation have their own customs and traditions. The Federated Government of Balochistan shall recognize the Balochi dress as national dress, and allows the performance and exercise of cultural activities. Other ethnic minorities living in Balochistan shall enjoy the same rights with regard to their own cultural activities.

 

6.      Heritage and Historical Sites:

The Federated Government of Balochistan has the duty of preserving and protecting the heritage and historical sites.

 

 

 

 

Health Program

 

Due to the unjust and anti-national policies of various Iranian governments, the health

situation in Balochistan is regretful, with people being threatened by various endemic

diseases. Hence the Federated Government of Balochistan shall undertake the following steps in order to improve the health conditions:

 

1.      To increase the presently inadequate number of health centres and enhance their quality of health care provision

2.      There are only a few doctors in Balochistan. The Federated Government of Balochistan shall invest in medical training in order to eliminate such shortcomings

3.      Prevention and treatment of illnesses shall be provided free of charge.

 

 

 

 

 

CONS TITUTION OF THE ORGANIZATION

 

 

(BALUCHISTAN -e- RAJI ZROMBESH)

[BNM -IRAN]

 

 

 

 

 

CONSTITUTION OF THE ORGANIZATION

 

Section I = Name and Identity

 

Article 1: Name

The name of the Organization is "Balochistan National Movement - Iran" (Balochistan -e- Raji Zrombesh).

 

Article 2: Identity

BNM is a national-democratic organization which believes in the right of

self-determination for all nations. It shall protect the due interest of Baloch

People and struggle for their national-democratic rights to be achieved.

 

 

Section II = Fundamental Aims

 

Balochistan National Movement - Iran as a political body shall pursue the followings:

1.      Protection of Baloch national identity

2.      Protection of human rights

3.      Realization of right of self-determination

4.      Establishment of democracy

5.      Provision of social welfare

 

 

Section III = Membership

 

Article 3: Requirements for Membership

 

All inhabitants of Balochistan of Iran and all Baloch are eligible to become members provided one:

 

1.      Is at least Eighteen (18) years of age

2.      Is not affiliated to any other political organization or party

3.      Firmly believes in the national-democratic movement

4.      Accepts the constitution and the overall agenda of the organization

5.      Is introduced and seconded by at least two existing members of the organization, and have been approved by one of the constituents.

 

Article 4: Responsibilities of Members

 

1.      To respect the programs and decisions made by the organization and implement them in general

2.      To actively propagate and publicize the programs devised by the organization

3.      To withhold organizational secrets

4.      To enhance his/her political knowledge constantly

5.      To pay membership fee.

Article 5: The Rights of Members

 

1.      The right to elect or be elected to any level within the organization

2.      Members are free to have any doctrine or ideology they wish to have

3.      The right to criticize any constituent of the organization or complain against any constituent to a higher body

4.      The right to express his/her opinion or to render his/her proposals to any constituents of the organization

5.      The right to publicly propagate his/her opinion.

 

Article 6: Prohibited Activities

 

1.      Avoiding responsibility and disrespecting the constitution

2.      Disclosing organizational secrets

3.      Subversion and disruption of the organization's functions

4.      Misuse of his/her organizational position or powers.

 

Article 7: Disciplinary Actions

 

The disciplinary action procedure for indulging in any prohibited activity is as follows:

 

1.                  Verbal notice

2.                  Written notice

3.                   Discharge of organizational duties

4.                  Suspension.

Maximum period of suspension is one year in ordinary circumstances

 

5.                  Expulsion

The disciplined member has the right to request for a review from higher bodies in the organization or submit the request to the Congress for final consideration.

 

 

Section IV = Structure of the Organization

 

Article 8:

 

The foundation of the Balochistan -e- Raji Zrombesh is based upon free and democratic methods of electing the leading organizational authorities from bottom up. Organizational interest is superior to that of the individual, and majority interest shall prevail.

 

Lower constituents should follow the decisions reached by higher constituents in the organization. The principle of reporting from bottom up and vice-versa shall be an important rule of practice.

 

Note: Any person or a minority group with due respect to the majority's decision has the right to propagate one's ideas and standpoints.

 

 

Article 9: The Congress of the Organization

 

1.      The Congress is the supreme organizational authority

2.      The members of the Central Committee, advisors and representatives from various constituents of the organization shall convene the Congress once every two years

3.      In extraordinary situations, a majority (50% + 1) of the Central Committee's members can call for the congress to be convened at any time

4.      Two third of the members can also call for the congress to be convened at any time

5.      The Congress can only be legally convened if a majority (50% + 1) of eligible participants are present

6.      The responsibility and power of the Congress is to assess the performance of the Organization as well as that of the Central Committee; to define overall strategy and operational policies, to debate the programme amendment or change to the constitution, and also to elect a new Central Committee

7.      Mechanism of convening the Congress:

 

The agenda for the congress will be outlined by the Central Committee at the onset to be debated and approved. The agenda can be accepted by a majority vote (50% + 1). Immediately, thereafter there shall be election for the formation of a committee with the task of organizing and supervising the progress of the Congress. The outstanding Central Committee will be dissolved, and the responsibilities shall rest upon the newly-formed "supervisory Committee" until the new Central Committee is formed

8.      The decisions of the congress will be approved by majority vote (50% +1).

 

 

Article 10: Conference of the Organization

 

1.      Requirements for convening the Conference:

If it is not possible to convene the Congress and the Central Committee is unable to make important decisions under the circumstances

2.      A majority of the central committee members along with advisers plus a third of the representative from constituents can convene the conference

3.      The Conference has the same authority as to that of the Congress

4.      The mechanism of convening the conference and the procedures are exactly the same as of those of the Congress.

 

Article 11: Central Committee

 

The Central Committee is the highest authority during the period between the sittings of two congresses, and shall be responsible for implementation of policies and decisions reached by the preceding congress. The responsibilities and authority of the Central Committee are as such:

 

1.      To elect its First Person in Charge, and other members for various central positions in the organization

The First Person in Charge is the highest leadership-bearer, and is accountable to the Central Committee and higher bodies

2.      The First Person in Charge is responsible for the coordination and the work of the Central Committee, as well as overall supervision of the organization and staging of the Plenum

3.      The central authorities in charge of various positions are duty-bound to execute the decisions of the Central Committee during the period between two sessions of the Central Committee. They are also accountable to the First Person in Charge and the higher bodies

4.      Central Committee is responsible for public relations and communication with other parties, organizations and institutions

5.      The Central Committee is responsible for the Budget.

 

Article 12: Plenum

 

1.      Sessions of the Central Committee are called Plenum

2.      The Central Committee shall have at lease one session every six (6) months. The sessions become officially binding if there are at least two third of its members present

3.      Extraordinary Plenum

 

One third of the Central Committee members can call for an extraordinary plenum to be held. The extraordinary plenum shall be officially binding if there are more than half (50% +1) of its members present.

 

 

Section V = Financial Affairs

 

Article 13:

 

The funds of the organization shall be acquired through receiving membership fees, collecting financial support from members, supporters and voluntary people.

 

The organization can, for the purpose of improving its financial position, make capital investment.

 

((End.))