The separatist group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the recent train hijacking in Balochistan, asserting that they executed 214 hostages after their demands were not met, according to a report by news agency Reuters. In an official statement, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said the group had given the Pakistan Army a 48-hour ultimatum to exchange prisoners of war. However, the Pakistani forces did not respond to their demands.
“Baloch Liberation Army had given the Pakistani army a 48-hour ultimatum to exchange prisoners of war, which was the last chance for the occupying army to save the lives of its personnel. However, Pakistan displaying its traditional stubbornness and military arrogance not only avoided serious negotiations but also turned a blind eye to the ground realities. As a result of this stubbornness, all 214 hostages have been executed,” the statement read.
The BLA further stated that they always acted in accordance with international law and blamed Pakistan’s unwillingness to negotiate for the deaths of the hostages. However, the group did not provide any evidence to support their claim.
Pakistan Army Denies BLA Claims
In response to the BLA’s statement, Pakistan Army spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry refuted the group’s claims, stating that there was no proof of additional hostages being taken by the militants. Chaudhry confirmed that security forces had killed 33 militants and successfully rescued 354 hostages.
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Pakistani officials have accused the BLA of exaggerating the number of hostages and casualties. Additionally, they alleged that India and Afghanistan were backing the insurgents, a claim both countries have denied.
The Attack on Jaffar Express
The train hijacking occurred on Tuesday when BLA militants blew up a railway track and opened fire on the Jaffar Express. According to Chaudhry, 31 people, including 23 soldiers, three railway employees, and five passengers, lost their lives in the attack.
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The security situation in Balochistan remains tense, with the Pakistani military intensifying operations against separatist groups in the region. The BLA, which has carried out multiple attacks in the past, continues to push for independence, citing grievances against the Pakistani government.
As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely, urging both sides to seek diplomatic solutions to prevent further violence in the region.
