Insurgents are urged by an ex-BNA leader to support peace in Balochistan.
Former chief of the Baloch National Army (BNA), Gulzar Imam, made a public appearance on Tuesday and issued a plea to insurgents to abandon violence and embrace peace as a means to bring prosperity to Balochistan. Standing before the media, he urged those who were engaged in armed struggle against the state to prioritize dialogue and work towards the betterment of the province.
Imam candidly admitted, “I was on the wrong path.” As a former contractor, he believed that Balochistan suffered from an unfair distribution of resources, which led him to join the armed operations 15 years ago. However, during his recent arrest, he had the opportunity to reflect on the past and realized that the struggle for Balochistan’s rights could be better achieved through political means rather than armed conflict.
Imam acknowledged that Balochistan faced significant challenges, including unemployment and the issue of missing persons, despite being rich in resources. He commended the state for displaying seriousness in addressing the Balochistan insurgency issue. Hailing from the Prom area of Panjgur, he expressed remorse for his previous actions and emphasized the importance of ending the armed struggle to allow for the province’s development.
Having witnessed firsthand the adverse consequences of armed conflict, Imam held hope that the state would treat him fairly. He pledged to comply with all legal requirements and expressed his commitment to the peaceful resolution of issues in Balochistan.
Senator Agha Umar Ali acknowledged the attempts by enemies to disrupt the peace in Balochistan and the country as a whole. He emphasized the significance of maintaining open lines of communication to resolve grievances. Balochistan’s Interior Minister, Zia Langu, affirmed that the provincial government would always be open to engaging in dialogue with individuals who sought peace.
In April of the same year, a successful intelligence operation led to the apprehension of Gulzar Imam, also known as Shambay, who held a prominent position within the Baloch National Army. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced that Imam had been a hardcore militant and served as the founder and leader of the banned outfit, which was formed by merging the Baloch Republican Army (BRA) and United Baloch Army (UBA).
The ISPR further revealed that the Baloch National Army was responsible for numerous violent terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including targeting law enforcement agencies’ installations in Panjgur and Noshki. Prior to his involvement with the BNA, Gulzar Imam had served as the deputy to Brahamdagh Bugti in the Baloch Republican Army until 2018. He was also instrumental in the formation of Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS) and held the position of operational head within the organization.
Authorities were investigating Imam’s connections with hostile intelligence agencies, as evidence suggested his involvement in visits to Afghanistan and India. The apprehension of Gulzar Imam marked a significant achievement in counterterrorism efforts, demonstrating the resolve of security forces to maintain peace and stability in Balochistan.
Overall, Gulzar Imam’s public appeal for insurgents to renounce violence and embrace dialogue as a means to address Balochistan’s issues reflects a growing recognition of the need for peaceful resolutions. The government’s commitment to engaging in dialogue and apprehending key militant figures is a positive step towards achieving lasting peace and prosperity in the province.
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