(BNA) along with seventy other comrades, turned themselves in to the authorities of Pakistan
Key commander of the outlawed militant group Baloch National Army (BNA), Sarfraz Bangulzai, turned himself in to the government of Pakistan along with seventy other members, declaring his desire to become a part of the country.
At a news conference on Wednesday in Quetta, Bangulzai—along with Balochistan’s Caretaker Information Minister, Jan Achakzai—accused India of encouraging youth to join the movement by sponsoring violence in the region and using women for evil.
“Baloch hands are shedding the blood of the Baloch people.” We lost innocent life as a result of resisted extortion. The youth are suffering as a result of families living in terror, according to Bangulzai.
He said that thousands of Baloch youth were killed during the past 20 years, adding that only in 2014, 155 innocent Baloch people were killed as they refused to give extortion.
“What I have done for the past 15 years… I have nothing but regret,” he said.
Bangulzai asserted that India funds terrorism and unrest in Balochistan, having personally witnessed the situation during his time in Afghanistan.
“I have personally witnessed how India provides funding for terrorism in Balochistan. The former BNA commander disclosed, “The so-called Baloch leaders abroad are living comfortable lives while our people suffer.”
He claimed that proponents of the Baloch separatist movement are still active in the neighboring country and are supported by both the current and previous Afghan regimes.
“[BNA] commanders have enjoyed luxury made possible by Indian money. Bangulzai said, “I chose to break away from the Baloch National Army because I realized they are state adversaries.
He remembered working for the government at Balochistan’s food department and had a house and automobile up until 2009, when he was duped by a few people.
“Up until I was duped, my life was stable. I implore people to fold their arms and get back to living a regular life. Bangulzai emphasized, “We require a state policy for reintegration.
He said he was a witness to the terrible helicopter accident that claimed the lives of six army officials, including Lt General Sarfraz Ali, the commander of Quetta Corps, and that it was the result of a technical error, although the BLA acknowledged its responsibility based on orders from India.
Anwaarul Haq Kakar, the acting prime minister, hailed the development and stated that maintaining peace and stability was the government’s first goal.
#Balochistan, Islamic Republic of Pakistan 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/gzCQ2lTo2z
— Eagle Eye (@zarrar_11PK) December 20, 2023
For Pakistan and Balochistan, the surrender of Sarfraz Bungulzai, also known as Mureed Baloch, the leader of the BNA, and his family members is greatly appreciated. He said on his X handle, “This follows another significant reintegration in which Gulzar Imam Shambay, the former head of BNA, was recently detained and mainstreamed.
“Our state and institutions are advocating for an accommodating approach and actively working to reintegrate estranged militants, embracing peace through inclusivity.”
According to PM Kakar, the goals of this calculated action are community reconstruction, understanding-building, and long-term peace. “Together, we clear the path for our future generations to live in peace and security. I am grateful for the work that our law enforcement and intelligence agencies—particularly ISI, which organized, carried out, and oversaw this intricate covert operation—did. May Allah bless everyone! Ameen, he said in closing.
The BNA founder, Gulzar Imam, also known as Shambay, was taken into custody in April during a well-publicized intelligence-gathering operation. BNA attacks have all but stopped since Shambay’s capture, however other militant organizations are still active in Balochistan.
#Balochistan, Islamic Republic of Pakistan 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/gzCQ2lTo2z
— Eagle Eye (@zarrar_11PK) December 20, 2023
During his speech, Jan Achakzai emphasized the need of bridging gaps and misunderstandings. He demanded that unhappy Baloch people be accepted into the national mainstream.
Achakzai commended PM Kakar and General Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), for their unceasing efforts in resolving the matter. He highlighted the agreement reached by all parties to address the issues that the Baloch people were facing and specifically thanked Gulzar Imam Shambay for his facilitation of the negotiations.
Furthermore, Achakzai expressed concerns regarding India’s purported attempts to worsen the situation in Balochistan by blaming external opponents for the destruction of their country.
The BNA is essentially defeated on the ground with the surrender of Sarfraz Bangulzai, Shambay’s second-in-command, which has a big influence on the decline of militancy. The militants who have surrendered will be integrated into society—a tactic that has worked well in the past.
I am a dedicated student currently in my seventh semester, pursuing a degree in International Relations. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in the professional field as a content writer at the Rangeinn website.
