Baloch Liberation Army Hijacks Train in Pakistan, 120 Hostages Taken
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A big news is coming from Pakistan, where the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has hijacked a passenger train named Jaffar Express. According to reports, there are more than 500 passengers on the train and the hijackers have taken several passengers hostage. It is being said that this action has been taken in protest against the alleged atrocities of the Pakistani army. This sensational incident took place in Piroknari area of Kutch (Bolan) district. According to preliminary information, BLA members stopped the train by detonating a bomb on the railway track and then took control of it. Some reports are also claiming that several Pakistani army officers are also among the passengers taken hostage, although this has not been officially confirmed yet. It is also being told that more than 120 passengers have been taken hostage.
After hijacking the train, an encounter broke out between the BLA and the Pakistani Army. According to some unconfirmed sources, more than 6 Pakistani soldiers have been killed in this encounter, but this is yet to be independently confirmed. Currently, the train is standing in a tunnel and the situation remains tense. Railway officials have said that the Jaffar Express was going from Quetta to Peshawar and has 9 coaches. The train left Quetta at 9 am today. According to sources, the passengers first heard the sound of an explosion on the track and then firing started on the train. After this, there was a shootout between the security personnel present in the train and the attackers. Balochistan government spokesman Shahid Rind confirmed the incident and said that there was firing on the Jaffar Express going from Quetta to Peshawar. He said that ambulances have been sent to the spot and an emergency has been declared at Sibi Hospital. However, he has not given any direct statement about the hijacking. At present, the situation is not clear and the rescue operation is likely to continue. This incident has raised serious concerns about the security situation in Pakistan.
