The Baloch question |
It is a moot point now whether it is the unameliorated socio-economic conditions or the unassuaged psycho-social grievances that are the cause of the present unrest in Balochistan. The aetiology of the sixth uprising in Balochistan features longstanding grievance narrative and a persistent governance deficit in the restive province. The diurnal attacks by the BLA terrorists and their ilk cause national headlines despite the valiant pushback by the LEAs. What ails the province and what sustains this implacable wave of terrorism needs an honest introspection on the part of the state as well as the scholars.
According to a CRSS report, the BLA and affiliates have launched 181 terrorist attacks in Balochistan in 2026, resulting in 708 civil and military casualties, whereas according to South Asian Terrorism Portal, the LEAs have eliminated 618 terrorists through thousands of IBOs besides the ongoing Operation Shaban. The present situation is tense with curfews at places like Khad Kucha and sporadic attacks by the terrorists targeting civilian as well as the military infrastructure, buses, trains and police check posts. The attackers have been emboldened enough to stay in hideouts near the cities and towns in order to sally out for their depredations with ease. The combing operations and punitive IBOs by army, FC and intelligence agencies frequently run up against difficult geography and an environment conducive to the militant tactics.
A host of extraneous factors have redounded to the advantage of the terrorists. These factors include an active abetment and financial support by India and few other countries........