“Security forces are using helicopters in the operation. One of the choppers made an emergency landing on the Kalat RCD highway after it developed a technical fault,” said FC spokesperson. PHOTO: ONLINE
Paramilitary troops and government officials claim to have killed 30 militants belonging to banned Baloch groups during a crackdown in Juhan, a mountainous area in Kalat division, about 145 kilometres off Quetta. At least 10 security personnel were also wounded in the operation.
“The security forces targeted hideouts [of militants] in Kalat division,” Balochistan Home Minister Sarfraz Bugti told a news conference in Quetta. “Action is being taken against those who are challenging the writ of the state.”
Frontier Corps (FC) spokesperson Khan Wasay said the hideouts belonged to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Republican Army (BRA). “Security forces are using helicopters in the operation. One of the choppers made an emergency landing on the Kalat RCD highway after it developed a technical fault,” he added.
The special wing of Balochistan and Kalat Scouts is also taking part in the operation. “The militants were involved in carrying out attacks on passenger trains,” the FC spokesperson said, adding that a huge cache of arms and ammunition was seized during the operation.
Inspector General Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan Ijaz Shahid is personally monitoring the crackdown. “More than 30 Baloch militants belonging to BRA and BLA have been killed while 10 FC personnel sustained injuries during the operation,” the spokesperson said. “The militants fired with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades.”
He added that it was difficult to reach the militants’ hideouts but security forces were trying to reach and dismantle the network despite all difficulties. No arrest has been made so far.
The RCD highway near the Surab area of Kalat district was sealed after a helicopter made an emergency landing. “It was partially damaged. However, the security personnel on board remained unhurt,” the home minister said.
The Express Tribune contacted the local administration – the Kalat police and Balochistan levies – for comment but the officials denied knowledge of any crackdown. “We are contacting the security forces to inquire what actually happened,” a senior official said on condition of anonymity.
He said that operation was still under way in the area. “Bodies will be handed over to the local administration once the operation concludes,” he added. The dead could not be immediately identified as the bodies had not been transferred to hospital.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 8th, 2014.
COMMENTS (7)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1734946202-0/Express-Tribune-(6)1734946202-0-270x192.webp "govt declares public holiday on december 25")
1732012115-0/Untitled-design-(14)1732012115-0-270x192.webp "cm launches 2nd phase of scholarship scheme")
1734899716-0/image-(15)1734899716-0-270x192.webp "trade war between us and china round two")
ET, are you sure they were representing the sentiments of Baloch people & not of those who hired/trained them through their consulates across the border? These are terrorists, not Baloch militants nor such name exists, talk to the common man in Quetta how much they're tired of these terrorists.
Good job FC, get rid of all terrorist from Balochistan
Those who have been challenging writ of the state must be dealt hard be it Talibans or Baloch terrorists. Good job by FC.
Need to bring justice to all terrorists irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds. It is imperative for Civil Administration to get involved in constructive steps asap to ensure civilians get their basic rights and are not transformed into terrorists.
Look at the Dravidian in the center.The builder of the Indus valley, now occupied by Central Asians.The Baloch are not Militants but Dravidian Brahui freedom fighters.
Why is there a different reaction against Taliban?
did you even talked with them?