Khetran

Sardar Rab Nawaz Khan Khetran Chief (Tumandar), head of Khetran Baloch tribe during British rule

The Khetran is a Baloch tribe.They live in barkhan district of Balochistan and sub-tehsil Vehova tehsil Taunsa DG.Khan district.Their mother-tongue is Khetrani language but they also use other languages like Saraiki.They have their sub clans like Jamani,Mazrani,Itlani,Akhwani,Ashani,Aagga and others.

Population statistics

The total Khetran population is estimated to be between 195,000 to 250,000 individuals according 2007. Almost 40% are inhabited in Barkhan District while 6% live in kholu and 8% individuals are inhabited in Dera Ghazi Khan District. Many of them have migrated towards cities. The last confirmed statistics available of Khetran population are of 1998 census which records its population as 110,000 individuals. According to Pakistan's 1981–82 census.

Khetran-Bugti relationships

In 1845 under the command of Sir Charles James Napier 7,000 men attacked the Bugtis, killing many of them. Khetrans provided sanctuary to hundreds of Bugtis who took refuge in their lands.^[1]

In 1847 Sir William attacked the Bugtis with full strength; this time the Bugtis lost 500 fighting men and 120 got arrested. Marris took the opportunity and also attacked the Bugtis, seizing much of their area. The Bugtis went to the Khetran Sardar and asked for his help; that same year a combined attack of Khetrans and Bugtis drove the Marris off, killing more than 70 of their men and taking possession of their cattle.^[2]

Struggle against British

Both war parties of Khetrans and the Marris attacked Kohlu police station. After looting and then burning it down they attacked a post of Gumband Lavy and also raised it do the ground. All entry points towards the city of Kohlu were sealed off by these war parties.^[3]

February 1918, Dera Ghazi Khan District was facing a threat of Khetran and Marri army. On 1 March Khar was attacked. Post office and a rest house was burned down. They also cleaned their hands on some weapons stored in post office. On 5 March they looted the city of Barkhan where government treasury was kept. Khetran army gathered in Rakni and Bawoata and then attacked Border Military burning down three of their posts. On 15 March Khetrans were seen along with Marris inside Fort Minro. That night government buildings and Bungalows were burnt down.^[4]

Khetrans, Marris and Bugtis yearly did damage of 25,000 Rupees and of 25 lives.^[5]

Khetran Baloch did not surrender easily to the Britishers, Sir Denzil Ibbetson acknowledges it in these words:

"Khetran is an independent Baloch tribe which is situated behind Leghari, Lund and Khosas. Their original homeland is Vehowa"^[6]

References