Armed militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) attacked the Jaffar Express Train in Pakistan's Balochistan province, carrying over 400 passengers. The attack occurred in the Sibi district, where the militants bombed the track and stormed the train, claiming control. At least 16 militants were reported killed, and 100 passengers were freed, with 17 injured passengers hospitalized. The militants threatened to kill hostages unless Baloch political prisoners were released within 48 hours. The rescue operation continued, but communication with those on the train was difficult due to the lack of internet and mobile coverage. The BLA, a separatist group seeking Balochistan's independence, has a history of violent attacks. The incident caused panic among passengers, with some hiding under seats, while others managed to escape and walk to safety. The Pakistani government and several Western countries have classified the BLA as a terrorist organization.
A raft of parliamentarians ranging from Congress‘ Shashi Tharoor to BJP‘s Varun Gandhi to BJD‘s Rabindra Jena have tried their hand at bringing a refugee law, but not much has moved on that front. Tharoor introduced The Asylum Bill, 2015, as a private member‘s bill while Varun Gandhi introduced The National Asylum Bill, 2015.
Brahamdagh Bugti, the grandson of Baloch nationalist leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti who was killed by Pakistan forces 10 years ago, said he will file the asylum application to the Indian government through the country's embassy here soon.