October 7, 2022
3 mins read

Baloch insurgents demand prisoner exchange deal with Pakistan

The news of the two captured soldiers drowned out in the din of the helicopter crash, which the BLA claimed was shot down by a projectile….reports Rahul Kumar

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) wants to swap two captured Pakistani army personnel-JCO Kaleem Ullah and military intelligence officer Mohammad Faisal, with Baloch political prisoners. The BLA had captured the two army men in Harnai, Balochistan, on September 25, following which the army sent helicopter gunships, one of which was ‘shot down’ during the operation.

Last week, India Narrative mentioned that the two army men were being ‘interrogated’ by the separatist group. The BLA has said that the interrogation has revealed important information about the operations of the Pakistani army in Balochistan. The BLA further said, “After voluntary confessions, both detainees have been formally charged for their crimes by Baloch national court.”

The news of the two captured soldiers drowned out in the din of the helicopter crash, which the BLA claimed was shot down by a projectile.

Experts say that the BLA is becoming lethal in its actions and cheeky in its press statements as it seeks ‘parity’ with the Pakistani establishment. The BLA considers Balochistan province as a Baloch nation and Pakistan as a colonial power, therefore seeking the status of an equal with the Pakistani army.

The BLA has also spotlighted the highly disturbing trend of Pakistan abducting Baloch political people, intellectuals, women and students, tens of thousands of who lie in Pakistani prisons and torture cells. At least eight of such people were recently shot dead in Ziarat by the Pakistani army.

In a press statement on Wednesday night, the BLA said: “The Baloch Liberation Army’s Senior Command Council has approved that in abidance with international conventions and established norms of the war, a process of prisoner swap can be initiated with Pakistani military.”

“BLA is willing to release both detainees, in exchange of release of Baloch prisoners. However, if Pakistani forces showed any aggression in this regard then BLA will deliver immediate sentence to both detainees awarded by the Baloch national court,” said Jeeyand Baloch, Spokesperson for the Baloch Liberation Army, through a press statement sent over email.

Giving details of the modus operandi, the statement says that the BLA’s intelligence wing had received information that two personnel of the Pakistani forces were travelling in civilian clothes to spy on Baloch rebels. “BLA mobilised its special force Special Tactical Operations Squad, which successfully intercepted the vehicle the two enemy personnel were travelling in… STOS had correctly anticipated that Pakistani military will send its helicopters and special forces to rescue its personnel,” says the BLA statement.

It adds: “Around 11pm the Pakistani helicopters arrived in the area and SSG commandos were rappelled from helicopters. BLA’s STOS engaged with these enemy troops near Khost Harnai, and their advance was completely halted. During the hour-long battle, the brave BLA warriors also targeted Pakistani military helicopters. At least one helicopter was successfully hit with a projectile and gunfire around 11:45pm. Few seconds later the enemy copter blew up in the air, killing all six onboard. These included pilots Major Khurram Shahzad, Major Muhammad Muneeb Afzal, gunner Naik Jalil and SSG commandos Abdul Wahid, Muhammad Imran and Shoaib.”

Baloch individuals embedded in the Pakistani army seem to be helping separatists mount attacks on Pakistani security forces. This was noticed when Baloch separatists had attacked and occupied the camps of the Frontier Corps (FC) in Panjgur and Noshki in February this year, causing major embarrassment to the powerful Pakistani army.

Information gathered by India Narrative from various sources had pointed out that Baloch infiltrators in the Pakistani forces had helped the rebels take over the two well-fortified camps, killing scores of Pakistani personnel and lowering army morale.

Over this year the Baloch conflict is not only taking a serious dimension in Pakistan but also in Iran, where fighting in the Baluchistan-Sistan province led to the death of the intelligence chief of the province.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

ALSO READ: India abstains from UNHCR vote on China, Lanka

Previous Story

Shah, Nadda to visit Assam for mega party workers meet

Next Story

Flood-hit Pakistan shouldn’t be forced to carry ‘begging bowl’: PM

Latest from -Top News

Turkey’s Jet Roars, West Watches

It is visible that Turkey is intentionally reducing reliance on U.S. and Western military imports, especially F-16s and the failed F-35 partnership, to achieve strategic independence….writes Ankit V In 2016, Ankara announced

‘Op Sindoor’ Team Wraps Up Saudi Visit

The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Saudi Arabia in the fight against terrorism….reports Asian Lite News Riyadh, May 30 (IANS) The Indian all-party delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant

Visa Interview Pause Nearing End, Says US

India is the source country for the largest group of international students in the US and Bruce’s comments will be closely followed there….reports Asian Lite News The United States said the pause

White House: Israel OKs Gaza Truce

Hamas said Thursday that its leadership had received a new Gaza ceasefire proposal from Witkoff through the mediators and was studying it…reports Asian Lite News The White House said that Israel has

No Talks Till Terror Ends: India to Pakistan

The MEA’s strong response came at a time when Pakistan, pushed on the backfoot by India’s decisive Operation Sindoor, has suddenly started talking about its intent on having peace talks with India….reports
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Pakistanis furious over of high cost of living

Around 73 per cent of Pakistani individuals complained of dwindling

China’s top trouble-shooter in Pakistan to ‘secure’ CPEC

According to Pakistani observers, “whatever demands and concerns Yang conveys