Lashkar-e-Balochistan
| Lashkar-e-Balochistan | |
|---|---|
| Leader(s) | Javed Mengal[1] |
| Active region(s) | Pakistan |
| Ideology |
Baluch nationalism Marxism[2] Secularism[2] |
| Major actions | Bombings |
Lashkar-e-Balochistan (also LeB) is a militant group based in Pakistan's Balochistan province, which is agitating for Balochistan's national independence. The LeB became publicly known in 2012 after it claimed responsibility for several bombings in Lahore, Karachi and Quetta, killing or injuring several people.[3][4]
The organization, an offshoot of the Baloch Liberation Army, is led by Javed Mengal, the son of Ataullah Mengal.[5] Khan Baloch is the group's spokesman.[6]
Structure
Lashkar-e-Balochistan is believed to have several camps in Balochistan as well as in Afghanistan.[7] The organization is divided into battalions, each consisting of 20 guerrillas led by a battalion commander. Every battalion commander works under LeB Chief Commander Javed Mengal.[5]
Designation as terrorist organization
In August 2012, the Pakistani government designated LeB as a terrorist group.[8]
Allegations of foreign support
Pakistan has repeatedly accused India of supporting the Baloch militant groups in order to destabilize the country.[9][10] India has categorically denied the allegation, stating that no concrete evidence has been provided.[11]
References
- ↑ "Butchering settlers on Independence day".
- 1 2 Karlos Zurutuza (2 November 2009). "Pakistan's Other Insurgents". Vice. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
- ↑ "Lashkar-e-Balochistan claim responsibility for Lahore blast". The News Tribe. 24 April 2012. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
- ↑ "Lashkar-e-Balochistan claims responsibility of Karachi blast". Pakistan Today. 23 July 2012. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
- 1 2 H Laskar, Rezaul (5 May 2013). "Authorities determined to ensure peaceful polls in Balochistan". Niti Central. Retrieved 20 May 2013.
- ↑ "'We did Lahore Station blast'". Saach News.
- ↑ "Afghan based farari camps behind Balochistan unrest: IG FC". South Asian News Agency (SANA). 2 June 2012. Retrieved 20 May 2013.
- ↑ "14 militant outfits operating in Balochistan, says ministry". The Nation. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
- ↑ "'Pak has evidence about India's involvement in Balochistan'". The Indian Express. 21 October 2009. Retrieved 20 March 2013.
- ↑ "Pakistan says evidence of Balochistan interference shared with India". Dawn. 5 October 2013. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
- ↑ "India welcomes ban on terrorist organisations in Pakistan". thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 11 November 2012.