The derailed train from Balochistan

The Jaffar Express is one of Pakistan's most prestigious long-distance trains. Starting from Quetta, it traverses the mountains of Balochistan till it enters Sindh, and then turns northwards to cross almost all of Pakistani Punjab, and finally completes its 1600 kms long journey at Peshawar.

- AJAY SINGH

The Jaffar Express is one of Pakistan's most prestigious long-distance trains. Starting from Quetta, it traverses the mountains of Balochistan till it enters Sindh, and then turns northwards to cross almost all of Pakistani Punjab, and finally completes its 1600 kms long journey at Peshawar. The train is a symbol for Pakistan Railway. It is also a prime target for Baloch freedom fighters who have struck it four times in the past three years itself.

When the green nine-coach train left Quetta station at 9 a.m. on 11 March, it was packed with locals, Pakistani soldiers and security personnel heading back to their homes for a spot of leave. It chugged up the famed Bolan Pass in the rugged mountains of Balochistan, crossing several tunnels and bridges along the way. At around 1.30 p.m. as it approached tunnel 8 between Pehro Kunri and Gadalar stations, an IED blast detonated on the tracks, derailing the engine and bringing the crippled train to a halt. Fighters of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) comprising of members of its elite Majeed Brigade, Farah Squad and Zirab units, stormed the train, overpowered the security guards travelling in it, and took over the train and its 400 odd passengers.

Most of the women, children and elderly were released and allowed to return. The others, mainly security personnel, were held hostage. In a tweet, the BLA claimed complete responsibility and stated that, "214 hostages are considered as prisoners of war, and the occupying state of Pakistan is given 48 hours to release Baloch political prisoners, forcibly disappeared persons and national resistance activists."

These demands were legitimate. Balochistan has been virtually occupied by Pakistani forces, its natural wealth siphoned off and over 5500 activists have been held in Pakistani prisons or have simply disappeared.