Pak claims India backing Baloch militant group

Pakistan on Wednesday alleged that India was backing the banned militant group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) for fuelling unrest in its southwestern Balochistan province.

"The BLA was raised with funding from the Soviet Union (during the Soviet-Afghan war) and it is now backed by India," Interior Ministry chief Rehman Malik said during a debate in the Senate on the situation in Balochistan.

The BLA remained dormant after the Soviet-Afghan war but was reactivated after the killing of Baloch national leader Nawab Akbar Bugti, he said.

Malik claimed that Bugti's grandson Brahamdagh Bugti has sought the Indian and US support for independence of Balochistan.

Several nationalist groups demanding a greater say in decision-making and exploitation of natural resources are active in Balochistan. The under-developed province recently witnessed widespread violence after three nationalist leaders were kidnapped and murdered by unidentified persons.

Referring to Brahamdagh Bugti's recent interview to a Pakistani TV channel, Malik said the Baloch nationalist leader was asked if India was "involved in secret operations in Balochistan" and whether it was sending funds to the province.

Malik quoted Bugti as replying: "We are not denying it. We want somebody should support us. I am appealing through your channel to the Indians, Americans and UN to support us. We will welcome any support."