Thirteen women and children allegedly detained during the military operation by Pakistani forces were released on Monday.
According to reports, the military operation continues in the mountainous region of Bolan and environ for the 8th consecutive day by the Pakistani law-enforcement forces. The operation started after the ultimatum given by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) to the Pakistani forces for the prisoner swap negotiations till November 4. BLA demanded the release of the political activists detained by the Pakistani army for their troops to be released in exchange.
During the operation, many clashes occurred reportedly between the BLA fighters and the Pakistani army. several people were allegedly abducted and houses burnt down by Pakistani forces.
Pakistan army confirmed the operation and the casualties of its two soldiers. Reports say that after clashes, the Pakistani army detained dozens of civilians from the area including women and children during the ongoing offensive.
Soon after, condemnations poured over the incident from several political parties and rights groups across the country, which according to analysts resulted in the release of abducted women and children on Monday morning.
Political organizations, including the leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, Manzoor Pashteen condemned the abduction of the Baloch woman and children and called for their immediate release while an online campaign was organized by Baloch Yakjeethi Committee on social media to highlight the issue.
Meanwhile, statements issued by Baloch Students Organization-Azad, Baloch National Movement, Balochistan National Party-Mengal, National Democratic Party, Baloch Yakjehti Committee, and several other human rights organizations demanding the immediate release of the detained women and children.
According to local sources, the Pakistani forces raided different villages in the mountainous areas during the operations where more than 13 women and children were picked up by Pakistani security forces. The identified abducted women and children included Sammo Sumalani, Zar Bakht Sumalani, Baani Sumalani and her daughter Fareeda, Zargul Marri, Haneefa Marri, Dur Khatoon Marri, Mahso Sumalani, Gul Bibi Sumalani, Sameedha Sumalani and her daughter Raaji.
It is to be mentioned that Mir Zia Langove, Advisor to Home Affairs Balochistan Government while referring to the BNP’s statements regarding the incident said in a tweet that the rumors regarding the detention of women in Bolan were merely allegations. “Till now, the local administration has not been aware of any such incident,” he said. “If anyone has information regarding this matter, inform the local administration, we are collecting information from various agencies about the incident,” he added.
As per reports, the military operation still continues in the different areas of Bolan, Kaman, Yakho, Uch Kaman, Gumbadi, Darag Pirani, Saaro, Buzgar, including the Sangan area of Sibi. Security Forces have also deployed a large number of troops in parts of Harnai as well, recent reports said.