India on Sunday strongly denied allegations made by Pakistan. Islamabad’s civilian and military leaders had linked New Delhi to a series of deadly attacks in Balochistan. India said these charges followed a familiar pattern. It said Pakistan often uses such claims to divert attention from its own internal problems.
Pakistan Blames India After Deadly Attacks
The reaction came after attacks hit nearly a dozen locations in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the assaults.
Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi accused India of planning the coordinated attacks. Pakistan’s military media wing also blamed New Delhi. It described the violence as the work of “Indian sponsored Fitna al Hindustan,” a term the army uses for the BLA.
India Calls Allegations Baseless
India’s external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the accusations. He said, “We categorically reject the baseless allegations made by Pakistan, which are nothing but its usual tactics to deflect attention from its own internal failings.”
He urged Pakistan to change its approach. “Instead of parroting frivolous claims each time there is a violent incident, it would do better to focus on addressing long-standing demands of its people in the region,” Jaiswal said.
Focus on Balochistan’s Long-Standing Issues
Jaiswal pointed to grievances in Balochistan. He referred to demands for greater autonomy. He also mentioned calls for local control over natural resources, including gas and minerals.
Jaiswal added that Pakistan’s actions in the region are widely known. Pakistan’s “record of suppression, brutality and violation of human rights is well known”, Jaiswal said.
Casualties and Military Claims
Pakistani authorities said the attacks hit major locations. These included the provincial capital Quetta and the port city of Gwadar. Officials claimed the violence killed 18 civilians and 15 security personnel.
They said suicide bombers took part in the attacks. They also said women fighters from the BLA were involved. Pakistan’s military claimed it later killed 133 militants in separate operations across Balochistan.
Strong Words From Pakistan Minister
Interior minister Mohsin Naqvi repeated the allegations at a news conference in Quetta late Saturday night. He said, “India is behind these attacks.” He added, “I can tell you for sure that India planned these attacks along with these terrorists.”
BLA Claims Responsibility
The Baloch Liberation Army issued a statement on Saturday. It said it had launched “Operation Herof 2.0.” The group claimed responsibility for attacks at multiple locations across Balochistan.