A hostage situation continues to unfold in Pakistan’s Balochistan province after insurgents hijacked the Jaffar Express passenger train on Tuesday. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group seeking independence for Balochistan, has claimed responsibility for the attack. The train, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was intercepted by armed attackers in a remote tunnel. At the time of the hijacking, around 400 passengers were aboard.
Key Points:
- Rescue Efforts Underway
Security forces have successfully rescued at least 155 hostages after a gunfight with rebels. The rescued passengers, including women and children, have been taken to Mach, where a makeshift hospital has been set up.
- Casualties and Hostage Situation
The BLA claims to have killed 30 soldiers, although these figures have not been confirmed by authorities. The insurgents are still holding some hostages in the mountains while others remain at the train’s location.
- Train Hijacking Details
The BLA blew up the tracks, forcing the Jaffar Express to stop in a tunnel near Gudalar and Piru Kunri. They also killed the locomotive driver during the attack.
- BLA’s Demands
The insurgent group has demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners and missing persons allegedly detained by the military. They have given the Pakistani government 48 hours to meet these demands or face the threat of destroying the train and executing 10 hostages.
- Ongoing Military Operation
The Pakistani military has surrounded the area, with a gunfight continuing overnight. The mountainous terrain is complicating rescue efforts as some insurgents try to escape.
- Hijacking Details
The Jaffar Express, which had resumed service after a month-long suspension, was hijacked during its journey from Quetta to Peshawar. It was carrying 425 passengers in total.
- Threats Against Hostages
The BLA has threatened to start executing hostages if military operations against them continue. Security forces are working to prevent any further casualties.
- Emergency Assistance
Emergency desks have been set up at the Peshawar and Quetta railway stations to assist relatives of the hostages. The situation remains tense as authorities work to resolve the crisis.
- Prime Minister’s Condemnation
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack as “cowardly” and vowed to continue fighting terrorism. “We will thwart every conspiracy to spread unrest and chaos in Pakistan,” he said in a statement.
- Balochistan’s Troubled History
Balochistan has experienced deadly clashes and enforced disappearances by state forces in recent months. The region remains a hotspot for separatist movements, with tensions rising in the wake of previous attacks, such as a suicide blast at the Quetta railway station last November.
As the military operation continues, authorities are urging the BLA to release the hostages and end the standoff. The situation remains fluid, with both the insurgents and security forces engaged in a tense standoff.
এনেধৰণৰ অন্যান্য বা-বাতৰিৰ বাবে লাইক কৰক অসম লাইভ ২৪ ৰ ফেচবুক পেজ
