ISLAMABAD: Nawaz Ali Rind, a prominent figure associated with the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) and hailing from Awaran, has been found dead in mysterious circumstances in a neighboring country. Rind, who had been an active member of the BLF since 2014, was known for his involvement in multiple attacks on security forces in the region.
The incident comes at a time when cracks have begun to surface within the ranks of various militant groups operating in Balochistan. The recent arrest of separatist commander Gulzar Imam Shambay has led to internal conflicts among these groups. Even the Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS), an alliance of Baloch separatist organizations, has suffered significant setbacks due to the arrest of Shambay and other successful operations carried out by the security forces. The situation has deteriorated to the extent that militants are now targeting their own commanders.
It is hoped that such incidents of infighting among militant factions will contribute to a decrease in the overall level of terrorism in Balochistan. The arrest of Gulzar Imam alias Shambay, the founder of the banned Baloch National Army (BNA), earlier this year was a significant achievement for the security forces.
Blow to BLF and Other Militant Groups
Shambay was considered a “high-value target” and was known as a hardcore militant and the leader of the BNA, which emerged after the merger of the Baloch Republican Army (BRA) and the United Baloch Army (UBA). The BNA was responsible for numerous violent terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including targeting law enforcement agency (LEA) installations in Panjgur and Noshki.
Gulzar Imam Shambay had also held the position of deputy to Brahamdagh Bugti in the Baloch Republican Army (BRA) until 2018. He played a crucial role in the formation of the Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS) and served as its operational head. His connections with hostile intelligence agencies and his visits to Afghanistan and India are currently under investigation.
The arrest of Shambay dealt a severe blow to the BNA and other militant groups attempting to disrupt the hard-earned peace in Balochistan. The security forces executed a meticulously planned operation that spanned months and covered various geographical locations to apprehend him.
The discovery of Nawaz Ali Rind’s death adds another layer of complexity to the evolving situation in Balochistan.
