Explained: Balochistan's unrest & its consequences for India
Pakistan faces a rise in terrorist attacks over the past few years, its troubled Balochistan province was hit this week by a series of assaults that have resulted in over 70 fatalities. The coordinated attacks, possibly the most extensive of their kind in recent history, were carried out by the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). These events have once again highlighted the Baloch insurgency, driven by long-standing neglect and the exploitation of Balochistan's natural resources, revealing the province as a vulnerable point for Pakistan.
The attacks, which saw BLA targeting police stations and taking control of major highways, coincided with the death anniversary of Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, who was killed 18 years ago in one of then president Pervez Musharraf's counter-insurgency operations.
Bugti's death only highlighted the shortcomings of military action, as it failed to address the true needs and aspirations of the tribal population. This lack of genuine engagement led to the rise of additional armed separatist groups, which now not only target Pakistani security forces and Chinese interests but also attack Punjabi and Sindhi migrant workers.
New dimensions?
There's no doubt that the attacks were on a newer scale and demonstrated the insurgents' growing audacity, their robust support network, and their increasing capability to operate with greater freedom.
According to former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan, Ajay Bisaria, targeting of Punjabi workers introduces a new ethnic dimension,
