New Delhi:
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has reinforced its claim of holding Pakistan Army personnel hostage by releasing a purported video showing the captured men, directly challenging the Pakistani military’s denial that any soldiers were taken captive.
The video, which surfaced on social media, shows several men in military fatigues kneeling on the ground while armed militants stand nearby. The men are seen displaying what appear to be their Pakistan Army service cards and national identity documents, lending credibility to the BLA’s claims.
Deadline Looms for Prisoner Exchange
The separatist group had earlier issued a seven-day deadline, ending February 22, demanding a prisoner exchange. The BLA has threatened to execute the captives if its demands are not met. With only three days remaining, there has been no confirmed progress on negotiations.
Contradiction With Pakistan Army Claims
According to India Today, the Pakistani military has reportedly insisted that none of its soldiers are missing or have been taken hostage. The newly released footage, however, contradicts those claims, showing men identifying themselves as formally recruited and deployed by the Pakistan Army.
The BLA now claims that the total number of hostages is eight, revising its earlier statement of seven captives.
Emotional Appeal From Captured Soldier
In the video, one of the captured soldiers appears emotional, questioning the army’s denial of their status. “I fight for Pakistan, and today the Pakistani Army does not own me,” he said, tearfully asking how the army could claim they are not its personnel.
No Fresh Official Response Yet
As of now, Pakistan’s military and government have not issued any fresh response to the latest footage. Pakistan has designated the BLA as a terrorist organisation. The group has been waging an insurgency in Balochistan, seeking independence for the resource-rich province in Pakistan’s southwest, which borders Afghanistan and Iran.