Terrorists Backed by India and Afghanistan, This Is Not a War for Rights: Balochistan Interior Minister

QUETTA: Balochistan Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau has alleged that terrorists operating in the province are being supported by India and Afghanistan, insisting that their activities do not represent a struggle for rights or freedom.

Addressing an important press conference alongside Adviser to the Interior Minister Babar Yousafzai, Langau said the leadership of the militant groups was being held hostage and that the terrorists were exploiting the name of the Baloch people.

The minister said he had travelled to his constituency, Qalat, to participate in Independence Day celebrations. He attended meetings with various institutions and took part in several events.

He thanked Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti for providing him with a helicopter on his request so that he could celebrate Independence Day with people in his constituency.

Langau said he had not taken a security escort with him. While returning to Quetta from Qalat without a security convoy after meeting friends and journalists, armed elements opened indiscriminate fire at his vehicle and attempted to target him with a sniper.

“I was saved by the grace of Allah,” he said.

He added that police personnel bravely confronted the attackers during the incident. An armed group had surrounded a police vehicle, prompting personnel from the Mastung Frontier Corps, Anti-Terrorism Force and police to respond immediately.

Five security personnel were injured during the attack and subsequent exchange of fire, according to the minister.

Langau praised the security forces for ensuring peaceful Independence Day celebrations across Balochistan and said the people had participated in the celebrations in large numbers.

He alleged that terrorists were involved in humiliating women and said the Baloch people had already suffered enough.

The interior minister said the militants had no connection with the Baloch nation and alleged that they were backed by India. He claimed that armed groups were extorting money from local landlords and depriving ordinary citizens of basic facilities.

Recalling the situation in Qalāt and Qalat, he said there was once a shortage of ambulances in the areas, but the government had provided around 30 to 35 ambulances. He alleged that armed groups were now depriving the public of such essential services.

Langau also said he had seen a photograph of a banned militant organization’s commander and questioned whether such individuals genuinely represented ordinary Baloch people.

He expressed concern that Baloch youth were being misled and urged the people to think about their own future and that of their children.

Discussing the overall security situation, the minister said no area of Balochistan was a “no-go area,” although the presence of terrorists on national highways remained a reality.

At the end of the press conference, Langau also referred to the tragic killing of six women in a tribal dispute in the province. He said those responsible would face strict legal action without exception.