Baloch militants who carried out the Pakistan train hijack took more than 400 passengers hostage
GUWAHATI, March 10: The sensational Pakistan train hijack has shocked the entire world even after Pakistani forces, according to media reports, rescued more than 150 passengers while many more are still being held captors by Baloch militants.
At least 16 Baloch militants have also been killed in the counter-offensive launched by Pakistani security forces, media reports have stated.
Baloch militants had hijacked Jaffar Express, a passenger train carrying around 400 passengers, in a tunnel in Balochistan province in Pakistan yesterday (March 11).
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) had claimed responsibility for the hijack after armed men intercepted the train by apparently blowing the tracks near a mountainous terrain.
The train was on its way to Peshawar from Quetta.
Meanwhile, the rescued passengers — 58 men, 31 women and 15 children — have been sent to Mach, a town in Kachhi district in Balochistan province of Pakistan, by another train, reports further stated.
An emergency desk has been set up by Pakistan Railways at Peshawar and Quetta railway stations as frantic relatives and friends gathered at both stations to get information about their loved ones who were on the train.
BLA, an ethnic armed group, threatened to execute hostages unless Baloch political prisoners, activists, and missing persons it said had been abducted by the Pakistani military were not released within 48 hours, news agency Reuters reported.
The United Nations, meanwhile, also condemned the Pakistan train hijack by Baloch militants with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the immediate release of all hostages.
Who Are Baloch Liberation Army?
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is an ethno-nationalist militant group based in Balochistan, a region that spans Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. The BLA primarily operates in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, where it has been waging an armed insurgency against the Pakistani state.
What are the origins and objectives of BLA?
1. The BLA was formed in the early 2000s but traces its roots back to earlier Baloch nationalist movements that have sought greater autonomy or independence from Pakistan.
2. The group claims to fight for an independent Balochistan, citing historical grievances, political marginalization, and economic exploitation by the Pakistani government.
3. The insurgency is fueled by resentment over resource extraction, as Balochistan is rich in natural gas, minerals, and coastal access but remains one of the most underdeveloped regions in Pakistan.
What is known regarding their activities and attacks?
1. The BLA has carried out numerous bombings, targeted killings, and attacks on security forces, Chinese nationals, and infrastructure projects, particularly those linked to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
2. Some of its major attacks include: 2018 attack on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi
3. 2019 attack on the Pearl Continental Hotel in Gwadar
4. 2021 suicide bombing targeting Chinese engineers in Dasu
5. 2022 Karachi University attack, killing Chinese teachers
Is BLA designated as a terrorist organization?
Pakistan considers the BLA a terrorist organization and has repeatedly accused India and Afghanistan of supporting the group, claims both deny. The U.S., U.K., and E.U. have designated the BLA as a terrorist organization due to its violent activities.
What is the present status of BLA?
The BLA remains one of the most active separatist groups in Pakistan despite military crackdowns and counterterrorism operations. In recent years, the group has intensified its suicide bombings and high-profile attacks, indicating an increasingly sophisticated and dangerous insurgency.
Why is BLA Fighting Against Pakistan?
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is fighting against Pakistan due to longstanding political, economic, and ethnic grievances. Their insurgency is rooted in Baloch nationalism, with the goal of securing greater autonomy or complete independence for Balochistan.
