A passenger train came under attack by separatist militants in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province on Tuesday, injuring a train driver, according to police and railway officials. The train, Jaffar Express was bound for Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from Quetta in Baluchistan province.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a militant separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack saying that they had taken hostages from the train, including security forces. However, officials from the provincial government or railways did not confirm on hostages being taken.
There are reports of intense firing at a Jaffar Express [train], which was heading from Quetta to Peshawar, between Peerokanri and Gadalar, as reported by a spokesperson for the Baluchistan government, said in a statement. He noted that the firing could be a terrorist incident and added that investigations were underway. Railway officials said that security forces have reached the site of the incident, in the Mushqaf area of the Bolan district on Baluchistan.
The train, carrying 500 passengers was stopped by armed men in Tunnel No 8. Efforts are being made to contact the passengers and staff,” the controller said.
The provincial government has directed local authorities to take “emergency measures”. As per the government’s statement, an emergency has also been imposed at the Sibi hospital, while ambulances and security forces were on their way to the site of the incident.
The rocky terrain has, however, posed difficulties in reaching the site. The government further said that the railway department has sent more trains to the site to provide rescue.
“The scale of the incident and the possibility of terrorist elements are being determined. The Baluchistan government has ordered that emergency measures be taken, and all institutions remain active,” the statement read. The train, comprising nine coaches, had around 500 passengers on board.
What is Baloch Liberation Army?
Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the banned terrorist organization, has reportedly taken responsibility of the incident while claiming to have hijacked the train. The driver of the train has been killed in the firing, while multiple people are injured. The assault occurred near Ab-e-Gum area of Mach Town when around six armed men opened fire on the Jaffar Express, leading to panic among passengers. As per initial reports, multiple travelers were wounded in the attack.
Balochistan has recently witnessed an uptick in militant attacks. “The train was stopped by armed men in Tunnel No 8. Efforts are being made to contact the passengers and staff,” the controller said.
Terrorism is a curse in a otherwise very great world to live in and enjoy. Presently, Global terrorism is working through extremist terror groups, sponsored mostly by fanatics and hardcore elements and countries with no humanity at all. The only agenda they have is to change the entire world into a state of death and destruction.
No doubt, the world has evolved significantly after the September 11 attacks in the US. However, safety has become an all-encompassing concern. Nowadays, people plan their holidays according to the factor, such as whether the destination is secure or not, which route has the least danger.
Besides, people no longer feel secure or protected in their own countries. Terrorist attacks have even taken place in nations those were deemed safe and at locations like parks, restaurants and even roads.
Educationist/Administrator/Editor/Author/Speaker
Commencing teaching in his early twenties, Prof Aggarwal has diverse experience of great tenure in the top institutions not only as an educationist, administrator, editor, author but also promoting youth and its achievements through the nicest possible content framing. A revolutionary to the core, he is also keen to address the society around him for its betterment and growth on positive notes while imbibing the true team spirit the work force along with.
Comments