QUETTA: Former member of the banned, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), Talat Aziz on Friday said that the youngsters affiliated with the militant organisation are indoctrinated to kill Punjabis.
Talat Aziz, said that the youngsters of BLA were lured to carry arms for the so-called independence of Balochistan, including Baloch students of Punjab university.
Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, along with Balochistan Minister Abdul Rehman Khetran and other provincial officials, Aziz, stated that he was influenced to kill innocent people under the pretence of having a new life in the mountains.
He added that the banned BLA had planned anti-state activities and plotted attacks against the people of Punjab province from remote camps in the mountains. “They were planning to break the country apart,” he said, adding that he ultimately planned his escape after witnessing these operations.
He called upon fellow Baloch youth not to fall for the promises and rhetoric of separatist groups, stating that he himself had been pursuing education in Punjab and harboured no hostility toward the Punjabi people.
“I was so misled that I didn’t even consider the dignity of my father and family,” said the former BLA member.
Aziz added that gatherings organised by the Baloch Solidarity Committee often encourage violent ideologies.
Provincial Minister Abdul Rehman Khetran in his remarks said that terrorists are targeting innocent people. “Anyone who goes against the state will be considered a terrorist,” he said. The minister accused terrorists of tarnishing Baloch traditions.
Senior Pakistani defence analyst, Syed Muhammad Ali, while speaking to Geo News said the development shows that the BLA’s strategy has failed miserably at both the public and defence levels. He added the proscribed organisation has also failed to achieve any of its objectives through militant activities against the Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies, which is why it is now targeting soft targets.
He noted importantly, well-educated and brave people are not joining them, which is why the BLA is misusing innocent youth, both men and women, to fulfil its goals.
The expert went on to say the militants are attempting to influence these vulnerable minds, which clearly indicates that mature and wise people are not willing to join their cause, and their activities have weakened as a result.
Syed Muhammad Ali said this young man realized that he was being exploited by the BLA to serve their objectives, which were not in his best interest, nor in the interest of his family or the people of Balochistan.
He added by stepping away from the militants, he has set an example for other young people in Balochistan, showing them that they should not fall under the influence of anti-state elements who seek to create uncertainty and spread hate.
It is pertinent to mention that on October 12, it was reported that China and Pakistan will increase diplomatic efforts to seek the inclusion of Majeed Brigade, a suicide wing of proscribed BLA in a sanctions list of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
China is a permanent member of the UNSC while Pakistan is set to start its two-year term as non-permanent member of the world’s top decision-making body from January 1, 2025.
