In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) dismissed the Pakistan Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)’s announcement of concluding military operations in Bolan, Balochistan, as a “lie.” The militant group asserted that the operation is ongoing and accused the Pakistani Army of suppressing the true casualty figures to maintain troop morale.

The BLA called on international media to conduct independent investigations into the situation, urging them to move beyond the narrative propagated by the Pakistani state and its media. “Pakistan ISPR’s claim of ending the operation at Bolan is false, and the battle continues. The Pakistani Army has not yet publicly shared the names and photographs of over 100 soldiers killed. Similarly, no names or photos of the 33 Baloch fighters have been released,” the BLA stated.

The controversy stems from a recent train hijacking incident involving the Jaffar Express, which was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar with 440 passengers on board. Militants derailed the train using explosives and hijacked it near the mountainous terrain of Gudalar and Piru Kunri, approximately 160 kilometers from Quetta. The BLA claimed responsibility for the attack, which led to a two-day rescue operation by Pakistani security forces.

According to the Pakistani Army, more than 340 passengers were rescued, and the bodies of at least 25 people, including 21 hostages, were recovered from the site. The army also confirmed the deaths of 28 soldiers, 27 of whom were reportedly off-duty. However, the BLA countered these claims, asserting that over 100 Pakistani soldiers had been killed in the operation.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, has been a hotspot for insurgent activities for years. The region has witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks over the past year, with Baloch militants frequently targeting railway tracks using rockets or remote-controlled explosives. The BLA has claimed responsibility for most of these attacks.

In October 2023, Pakistan Railways resumed train services between Quetta and Peshawar after a suspension of more than six weeks. However, just a month later, a suicide blast at Quetta Railway Station killed at least 26 people and injured 62 others, further highlighting the volatile security situation in the region.

The BLA’s latest statement underscores the ongoing tensions between Baloch separatists and the Pakistani state. The group’s allegations of concealed casualties and its call for independent media investigations reflect its efforts to challenge the official narrative and draw international attention to the conflict in Balochistan.

Janata Dal (United) leader Abhishek Jha on Thursday expressed strong disapproval of the directive to cover mosques during the Holi festival, labeling the move as “unfortunate” and warning that it could spark unnecessary controversy, especially in an election year.

Speaking to the media, Jha highlighted that Holi has coincided with Friday, the Muslim day of congregational prayers, multiple times in the past decade without any incidents. “Holi fell on a Friday four times in the last ten years. On March 18, 2022, the festival was celebrated on a Friday, yet no disputes arose. This is an election year, and some people make such statements merely to gain media attention and TRP. India is a secular and democratic nation where people of all castes and religions have the right to practice their faith. It is the administration’s responsibility to ensure that such incidents do not occur,” he stated.

The directive, issued by local authorities in Uttar Pradesh, led to several mosques being covered with tarpaulin sheets ahead of Holi celebrations. Officials defended the move as a precautionary measure to prevent potential conflicts and maintain communal harmony during the festival.

However, Jha emphasized that such actions are unnecessary and counterproductive. “You cannot cover a temple or a mosque; it is everyone’s responsibility to take precautions. Communal harmony is about fostering social unity. While everyone is accountable, the primary responsibility lies with the local administration. This should be seen as a challenge, and we believe such statements should be avoided,” he added.

The JD(U) leader also addressed the broader context of communal harmony, asserting that Bihar has remained peaceful. “Everything is normal in Bihar. Social and communal harmony is the government’s responsibility, and we are maintaining it well. This should serve as an example for the entire country,” he said.

Jha further commented on the recent controversy involving the Darbhanga Mayor, whose remarks had sparked widespread criticism. “The Darbhanga Mayor, who made the statement, later apologized after facing backlash. Now, some party ministers supporting her remarks are neither the party president nor official spokespersons. Their comments do not reflect the party’s stance. Such statements are baseless and irresponsible. Anyone holding a constitutional post must exercise caution with their words,” he remarked.

The JD(U) leader’s statements come at a time when political and social tensions are heightened ahead of the upcoming elections. His remarks underscore the importance of maintaining communal harmony and avoiding actions or statements that could polarize communities.

US Awami League Vice President Dr. Rabbi Alam, a close aide of Sheikh Hasina, has asserted that the former Bangladeshi Prime Minister will return to power, claiming that the current unrest in Bangladesh is not a political movement but a “terrorist uprising.” Speaking in Kolkata, Alam also thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for facilitating a safe passage for Sheikh Hasina and providing shelter to several leaders.

“Bangladesh is under attack, and it needs to be addressed by the international community. A political uprising is fine, but that is not what has been going on in Bangladesh. This is a terrorist uprising… Many of our leaders are sheltered here in India, and we are very thankful to the Indian government for providing the alignment. I also thank PM Narendra Modi for providing a safe travel passage for our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. We are thankful to the people of India,” said Alam.

Young generation ‘manipulated,’ says Alam

Expressing confidence in Hasina’s return, Alam remarked that Bangladesh’s younger population had been “manipulated,” leading to their role in the political shift.

“… Sheikh Hasina is coming back as the Prime Minister. The young generation has made a mistake, but that’s not their fault; they have been manipulated…,” he stated.

Court orders seizure of Hasina’s residence, bank accounts

Amid the political turmoil, a court in Dhaka has ordered the seizure of Sheikh Hasina’s residence, ‘Sudhasadan,’ and other properties belonging to her family members in exile in India. Additionally, 124 bank accounts associated with her family have been frozen following an application by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Ghalib issued the order, impacting properties linked to Hasina’s son Sajib Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Sheikh Rehana, and her children Tulip Siddique and Radwan Mujib Siddique.

Bangladesh protests Hasina’s remarks from India

Tensions between Bangladesh and India have escalated after Hasina allegedly made “false and fabricated” statements on social media, prompting Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to lodge a formal protest. The ministry urged India to prevent Hasina from making inflammatory statements, citing concerns about national stability.

Arrest warrant issued against Hasina in January

Earlier this year, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued an arrest warrant against Sheikh Hasina and 10 others, including former Defence Adviser Major General (retired) Tarique Ahmed Siddique and former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed. The charges include allegations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

Hasina’s ousting and interim government

Sheikh Hasina, who led Bangladesh for over a decade, was ousted on August 5 following a student-led movement that saw violent clashes resulting in over 600 deaths. An interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, has since taken charge, while Hasina remains in India.