In Episode 1621, Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta explores the roots of the Balochistan insurgency and the key factors that enabled the Jaffar Express hijacking.
Before the Pakistan Army's announcement, BLA claimed it had killed 50 passengers Wednesday evening. It had earlier said it was holding 214 people, mostly security personnel.
The group, which seeks independence for Balochistan, says govt has 24 hours to meet demand. It claims it's holding at least 214 security personnel hostage.
Hostage crisis began Tuesday when Baloch Liberation Army militants hijacked Jaffar Express near Machh in Bolan district. Dozens of hostages have been rescued so far.
Pakistan Railways have set up an emergency desk at Peshawar and Quetta railway stations as frantic relatives and friends try to get some information about their kind on the train.
The other militants are said to have taken some of the passengers into the mountains. Baloch Liberation Army has taken responsibility for hijack of Jaffar Express.
Declaration by Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar came after a 3-day meeting between Baloch & Sindhi separatist groups on a complete overhaul of military & diplomatic strategies in the region.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman warned that if Balochistan's districts declared independence, the UN could potentially recognise their sovereignty, leading to Pakistan's fragmentation.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has given ticket to a Hindu candidate for the first time and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has fielded two Hindus. Activists say they are simply paying lip service.
As Visakhapatnam readies a mega airport, the Andhra Pradesh government has revived its shelved Dagadarthi project, aiming to boost cargo and connectivity on the south coast.
The proposed project costing about Rs 3.25 lakh crore will entail procurement of 18 aircraft in fly away condition & the rest made in India with up to 60% indigenous content.
UK, EFTA already in the bag and EU on the way, many members of RCEP except China signed up, and even restrictions on China being lifted, India has changed its mind on trade.
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