ISLAMABAD: India has categorically rejected Pakistan’s accusations that itwas involved in recent militant attacks in Balochistan, describing theclaims as baseless and a deliberate attempt to divert attention fromIslamabad’s longstanding internal challenges. Ministry of External Affairsspokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that such allegations representPakistan’s routine strategy whenever violence erupts in the province,urging Islamabad to address the genuine grievances of the Baloch peopleinstead of externalising blame.
The controversy erupted following a series of coordinated assaults claimedby the Baloch Liberation Army across multiple districts in Balochistan onJanuary 31, 2026. Pakistani authorities reported that the attacks targetedsecurity installations, police stations, and administrative sites in areasincluding Quetta, Noshki, Mastung, Dalbandin, Kalat, Gwadar, and Pasni. Theviolence resulted in significant casualties, with at least 31 civilians and17 security personnel killed, according to provincial officials.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directly accused India oforchestrating the incidents, stating that New Delhi provided financialsupport, planning assistance, and strategic guidance to the militants. Hedescribed India as the primary sponsor of terrorism in the region and vowedto expose its alleged dual role internationally. The military’sInter-Services Public Relations wing echoed these claims, terming theattackers as part of “Fitna al-Hindustan” and asserting that operations hadeliminated numerous India-backed elements.
In response, Indian officials highlighted the lack of evidence supportingPakistan’s assertions. Jaiswal noted that Islamabad frequently resorts tosuch unsubstantiated charges to deflect scrutiny from its own governancefailures in Balochistan, a province long plagued by demands for greaterautonomy and equitable resource distribution. He pointed out that thepeople of Balochistan have raised legitimate concerns over the exploitationof natural resources like gas and minerals without adequate benefitsaccruing to locals.
Balochistan remains Pakistan’s largest yet least developed province, richin minerals and strategic location along the Arabian Sea coastline. Theongoing insurgency, led by groups like the BLA, stems from decades ofperceived marginalisation since the region’s accession to Pakistan in 1948.Separatist demands include independence or greater control over resources,amid reports of economic disparities despite the province’s contributionsto national energy supplies.
Pakistan’s security forces launched extensive counter-terrorism operationsin the aftermath, reporting the neutralisation of 92 militants in initialengagements, with figures later revised upward to 145 over 40 hours ofintense fighting. These operations involved prolonged battles againstsuicide bombers and armed fighters, underscoring the scale of theescalation. Officials praised the resilience of the Frontier Corps, police,and army in repelling the assaults.
The BLA, designated a terrorist organisation by the United States since2019, claimed responsibility for the coordinated strikes under an operationdubbed “Herof” or “black storm.” The group alleged targeting key militaryand administrative hubs, though independent verification of casualty claimsremains limited due to restricted media access in the province.
Human rights organisations have documented persistent allegations of abusesin Balochistan, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings,and restrictions on peaceful protests. International reports note thatsecurity operations often lead to civilian hardships, while separatistactivities contribute to instability. Pakistan denies systematic violationsand attributes unrest to external interference.
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India’s rebuttal stressed that Pakistan would benefit more from focusing oninternal reforms rather than repetitive accusations without proof. Jaiswalreiterated that Pakistan’s record of suppression, brutality, and violationof human rights in the region is well documented and widely recognised. Headvised against parroting frivolous claims after every incident and calledfor genuine dialogue with local stakeholders.
The exchange reflects the enduring rivalry between the two neighbours,where mutual accusations of sponsoring terrorism have become commonplace.Recent years have seen heightened tensions, including cross-borderincidents and diplomatic standoffs, further complicating bilateralrelations. Analysts observe that such blame games hinder prospects forregional stability.
The incident has drawn international attention, with some countriescondemning terrorism while urging restraint. Pakistan’s allies haveexpressed solidarity in its fight against militancy, though calls forevidence-based accountability persist in global discourse.
Source:https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-slams-pak-over-balochistan-violence-charge-blames-its-internal-failings-101769958010501.html
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