The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on Sunday made clear its allegiance to India, asserting that it is willing to serve as its “military arm” in Balochistan if Delhi decides to “eliminate” Pakistan.
The statement, posted on the BLA’s social media accounts, appears to support the longstanding assertion of Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership that the militant group is a proxy of India, which uses it to sponsor terrorism in Pakistan.
Despite this, the BLA statement claims it is not a “proxy,” and seeks to convey to India that Pakistan does not desire a ceasefire with India. “We tell India and other states of the region that the time has passed to believe in Pakistan’s promises,” it states and called for action against the Pakistani state.
“Pakistan has not only been a breeding ground for global terrorists but also a center for the state-sponsored development of deadly terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and ISIS,” it alleges, without recognizing its own status as a terrorist organization in Pakistan, China, Iran, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.
“If we receive political, diplomatic and defense support from the world—especially from India—Baloch nation can eliminate this terrorist state and lay the foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and independent Balochistan,” reads the statement, reaffirming Pakistan’s view of the group’s reliance on India for funding and support.
Calling for the “elimination” of Pakistan, the BLA statement “assures” India it will serve as a “military arm” of the Indian army from the western front. “We are ready to surround Pakistan from both eastern and western fronts” it states, maintaining it will continue its militant activities regardless.
Security experts have noted that this statement validates Pakistan’s longstanding claims regarding the BLA and would trigger a more forceful response in the coming days. They have also warned that India is likely to ramp up its support for the banned group in the aftermath of last week’s aggression and a nascent ceasefire mediated with the support of the United States.