QUETTA, BALOCHISTAN: The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has issued a formal policy statement distancing itself from kidnapping for ransom, warning that criminal elements are misusing its name to extort money from civilians.
In a statement issued to the media, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said the organization considers kidnapping for ransom an immoral and anti-social practice that it will never condone under any circumstances. He stated that the group’s armed operations are directed solely against what it describes as occupying state forces and their institutions not against civilians, traders, or local residents.
The spokesperson said reports have been received from various areas where criminal elements, after abducting innocent individuals, demand ransom while falsely invoking the BLA’s name. He clarified that such individuals have no affiliation with the BLA’s organizational structure, networks, or fighters.
The BLA urged Baloch civilians not to pay any ransom demanded in the organization’s name, and to report such cases through the group’s official channels. The statement assured complainants that their identities would be kept confidential, and that strict action would be taken against those found misusing the BLA name.
The group reiterated that it would confront elements involved in kidnapping for ransom both ideologically and operationally.
