SOURCE: AFI
Tensions between Pakistan and India flared again on Wednesday after Balochistan’s Home Minister, Ziaullah Langau, accused India’s intelligence agency, RAW, of funding and supporting militant groups operating in the province.
During a press conference in Quetta, Langau claimed RAW is the “single investor” behind the banned outfits, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). He asserted that these groups are responsible for terror attacks and kidnappings plaguing the restive Balochistan province.
Langau presented the recorded statement of a captured TTP commander, Nasrullah alias Maulvi Mansoor, who reportedly confessed to RAW’s involvement. According to the statement, RAW seeks to establish a “BLA-TTP nexus” and utilize Balochistan as a base for operations.
The statement further alleges that TTP leaders, Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud and Mufti Muzahim, outlined three objectives for their Balochistan operations, all supposedly backed by RAW:
Disrupting China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Projects: This vital infrastructure initiative is a key point of cooperation between Pakistan and China.
Targeting Chinese Citizens: The statement suggests RAW aims to create instability by putting Chinese personnel working on CPEC at risk.
Fanning Insurgency: The TTP leader reportedly claims RAW seeks to exacerbate existing tensions in Balochistan through kidnappings and violence, potentially tarnishing the image of Pakistani security forces.
Langau alleged that TTP meetings with RAW agents occurred at the Indian embassy in Kabul, with the reported support of the Afghan government.