New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) - India has strongly criticized Pakistan for its recent remarks regarding incidents in Balochistan, labeling the accusations as "groundless allegations and standard tactics" employed by Islamabad to divert attention from its domestic issues.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged Pakistan to cease "repeating trivial claims" and concentrate on fulfilling the needs of the citizens in the region.

In response to inquiries about Pakistan's statements, the MEA asserted, "We categorically dismiss the unfounded allegations made by Pakistan, which merely represent its typical strategies to distract from its own internal shortcomings. Instead of repeating trivial claims after every violent incident, it would be more productive for Pakistan to address the persistent demands of its populace. Its history of oppression, brutality, and human rights violations is well-documented."

This statement followed comments made by Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday, who accused India of involvement in attacks occurring in Balochistan.

Recently, Pakistan has experienced a surge in militant activity, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, after the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

Additionally, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has taken responsibility for a series of coordinated strikes across Balochistan, claiming that over 80 individuals were killed, including members of the Pakistani military, police, intelligence agencies, and counter-terrorism units. The group referred to this campaign as ‘Operation Herof Phase II’.

As per a statement from BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, these coordinated assaults lasted nearly ten hours and targeted multiple districts in Balochistan. He noted that the operation focused on what the group characterized as vital security, military, and administrative facilities.

The BLA asserted that its combatants targeted sites in Quetta, Noshki, Mastung, Dalbandin, Kalat, and other towns, all of which are viewed as significant military and administrative hubs of the Pakistani state, as reported by The Balochistan Post.

In its declaration, the BLA claimed that at least 84 security personnel from Pakistan were killed during the operation, with many others sustaining injuries. The group also alleged that 18 security members were captured during these assaults.

Furthermore, the militant organization claimed that over 30 government properties were either taken or destroyed, including government offices, banks, and prisons. Additionally, it stated that more than 20 vehicles were incinerated as part of the coordinated assault.

The BLA further maintained that its fighters managed to temporarily disrupt the movements of Pakistani security forces in several regions, claiming dominion over certain areas for limited durations during the operation.

Balochistan continues to endure unending atrocities at the hands of Pakistani authorities, who enable death squads in the region to perpetrate enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and illegal detentions of the Baloch populace.