Baloch Insurgency & Pakistan Train Hijacking

Baloch Insurgency & Pakistan Train Hijacking

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context: Insurgents of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) stopped along-distance train in a rugged, mountainous area south of Quetta and took passengers hostage on Tuesday

Overview of the Incident

• Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) insurgents hijacked a long-distance train between Pehu Korni and Gadalar.
• Casualties: 20 Pakistani Army personnel killed, 12 hostages taken.
• Train: Jaffar Express (running between Quetta and Peshawar).
• Location: Near Tunnel No. 8 in a rugged area of Balochistan.
• Significance: First major attack on a passenger train in recent years.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)

• Type: Baloch nationalist militant group.
• Objective: Independence of Balochistan from Pakistan.
• Formation: Early 2000s.
• Declared a terrorist organization by Pakistan, UK, and the US.
• Key attacks:
  • 2006: Targeted a Pakistani military convoy.
  • 2024: Suicide bombing in Gwadar killed 5 Chinese nationals.

Balochistan Insurgency & Political Context

• Geopolitical Background:
  • Balochistan remained independent until March 1948 before being merged with Pakistan.
  • Khan of Kalat initially resisted joining Pakistan but later acceded under pressure.
  • Strong Baloch nationalist sentiment has persisted.
• Economic & Resource Significance:
  • Largest province by land area but least populated.
  • Rich in gold, gas, and minerals.
  • Underdeveloped compared to Punjab and Sindh.
• China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC):
  • Baloch groups oppose Chinese investments, citing exploitation.
  • Repeated attacks on Chinese workers and assets.