Saddu Operational Battalion: The Eternal Legacy of Mamo Saddu Mari
The Saddu Operational Battalion is a unit of the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), named in honor of the martyr Mamo Saddu Mari. His real name was Shahadat Mari, while his comrades affectionately and respectfully called him Mamo Saddu.
The English abbreviation of Saddu Operational Battalion, SOB, also forms the Balochi word “sob,” which means success. Mamo Saddu Mari was a senior commander of the Balochistan Liberation Front and one of its founding members. He played a key role in the establishment and strengthening of the organization.
He belonged to the Mari tribe, which is counted among the prominent tribes of Balochistan and is known for its tribal traditions, customs, and values. However, Mamo Saddu’s philosophy was that the struggle for Balochistan’s independence could not succeed merely on the support of tribal traditions. He explained to his comrades that achieving this goal required organized institutions, a unified movement, and a strong organizational structure.
In his view, until institutions were established and an effective organization was formed, the struggle for Balochistan’s independence could not be crowned with success. It was under this thinking and philosophy that he played a prominent role in laying the foundations of the Balochistan Liberation Front.
Despite being over 75 years old, Mamo Saddu remained active as an important commander of the organization. During a military operation, the Pakistani army attacked a BLF camp located in a mountainous area of Balochistan and attempted to surround it. Assessing the situation, Mamo Saddu realized that it was necessary to stop the advancing army in order to give his comrades a chance to escape safely.
He knew that the cost of this decision could be his own life. Nevertheless, he did not inform his fellow fighters of his intention, because he feared that if his comrades learned of his plan, they would refuse to leave him alone. Instead, he put on his clothes and told his comrades to move ahead, saying that he would follow them at his own pace, as his advanced age made it difficult for him to walk quickly. When his comrades had safely exited the camp, Mamo Saddu returned to the camp instead of following behind them. He took up a position at a post and began resisting the Pakistani army single-handedly.
He kept firing continuously and changing his position, which kept the advancing army engaged for quite some time. The army continued to believe that other BLF fighters were also present inside the camp, whereas in reality, only Mamo Saddu remained there. To protect his comrades, Mamo Saddu put himself in danger to provide them an opportunity to escape. Ultimately, he was martyred during that very attack.
He sacrificed his own life to save the lives of his comrades. In recognition of Mamo Saddu’s courage, dedication, and great sacrifice, the Balochistan Liberation Front named its Saddu Operational Battalion after him. For the organization’s leadership, workers, and fighters, his sacrifice is considered a shining example of loyalty to one’s comrades, prioritizing their safety over one’s own, and unwavering commitment to the cause.
Mamo Saddu Mari’s name is still presented today as a symbol of sacrifice, determination, loyalty, and the spirit of giving one’s life for one’s comrades. His life and sacrifice represent the tradition associated with the Saddu Operational Battalion, in which the protection of comrades and commitment to the organization hold fundamental importance.
