Amidst chaos, Balochistan declares independence from Pakistan

NEW DELHI: The Baloch community, waging an armed struggle for decades against Pakistan's brutal oppression, have reportedly declared an independent nation and raised their flag. The move to declare independence is another blow to Pakistan, which is reeling from the Indian backlash. Balochistan is Pakistan's largest province in the southwest.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which is leading the liberation struggle, killed 14 Pakistani soldiers in a landmine explosion the other day. The Baloch people celebrated by raising their flag, replacing the Pakistani flag.

The BLA shrewdly upped the game minding Pakistan's sudden focus on Indian escalation. Two months ago, the BLA had shocked Pakistan by hijacking a train. India has historically had good relations with Baloch nationalists. Pakistan has regularly accused Indian intelligence agencies of supporting Baloch separatist groups. The Baloch community is also backed by Iran.

• Balochistan, part of British India, was forcibly annexed by Pakistan after independence.

• Pakistan does not give any freedom to the Baloch tribal community. Pakistan only has eyes on the mineral deposits here

• The Pakistani army had already killed thousands of protesters for raising the demand for an independent Balochistan