BLA issues open challenge to Pakistan, takes 17 soldiers hostage; gives 7-day ultimatum

Islamabad (The Uttam Hindu): In a major move against the Pakistani Army and the government, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed to have detained 17 Pakistani soldiers. The organization has released 10 of these soldiers, but has placed a big condition before the Pakistani government in exchange for the release of the remaining seven soldiers. The BLA has clearly warned that these seven soldiers will be released only when Pakistani agencies release the Baloch citizens held captive by them. Islamabad has been given only one week's time for this prisoner exchange. Jiand Baloch, spokesperson of BLA's media wing 'Haqqal', has described this entire operation as the second phase of 'Operation Heroof'.

10 local soldiers were warned

According to a statement issued by the BLA, the 10 soldiers released are all ethnic Baloch and were associated with local police or security organizations. They were released with a stern warning for the future. However, the organization clarified that the remaining seven soldiers in their custody are directly associated with the Pakistani Army. These soldiers were presented before the Baloch National Court, where they face serious charges of brutality against Baloch civilians and involvement in genocide. The organization claims that during the hearing, these Pakistani soldiers were given a full opportunity to present their case, and all relevant evidence and statements were recorded before the verdict was reserved.

Seven-day ultimatum and warning of punishment

The BLA has given Islamabad a seven-day deadline to complete a prisoner exchange. In its statement, the organization accused the Pakistani government of failing to take positive action on similar proposals in the past. The BLA stated categorically that if the prisoner exchange process is not initiated within the stipulated seven days, the court's sentence on the captured soldiers will be immediately executed. There has been no official response or denial from the Pakistani government or its military on this highly sensitive and serious matter.

What is the whole controversy?

This entire controversy is linked to the increasing number of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. Allegations are rife that Pakistani security agencies are forcibly abducting Baloch citizens. Recently, several Baloch youth and civilians were detained during raids, and their whereabouts have remained unknown. The families of these missing individuals are deeply shocked and worried. In cities like Panjgur and Karachi, affected families are regularly protesting in the streets with photographs of their missing relatives, but they have yet to receive any concrete information or assurances from the authorities.