Balochistan: BLA Strips Its Two Members of Organisational Authority

SHAAL (QUETTA): The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has issued a statement distancing itself from Laghari, alias Gul Muhammad Marri, and Masood Marri, saying the organisation has stripped both individuals of their organisational authority and warning residents against maintaining official contact with them.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Azad Baloch, the organisation said Laghari was no longer assigned any organisational responsibilities by its central leadership and had no authority to communicate with residents on the BLA’s behalf.

The statement read that Laghari had been threatening and intimidating people over the telephone in his personal capacity, adding that he would be held personally responsible for such actions.

The BLA also warned individuals assisting Laghari against interfering in its internal administrative affairs. It said he had been given an opportunity to appear before the central leadership rather than continue presenting himself as a commander without authorisation.

According to BLA’s statement, Laghari had associated with several individuals it described as suspicious, including Khano Marri, whom the BLA identified as a wanted person and an operative of Pakistan’s Military Intelligence (MI). The statement accused Khano Marri of involvement in activities that had harmed several Baloch activists.

Regarding Masood Marri, the BLA said it had conducted an investigation into a sensitive case following a complaint against him. According to the statement, the investigation concluded that Masood had engaged in misconduct by entering the home of a respected Baloch individual, an act contrary to Baloch traditional code and values, and motivated by malicious intent.

The BLA said its central leadership subsequently barred Masood from travelling to Bolan and suspended him from organisational activities for two years. It further alleged that, despite his removal from his position, he had continued to telephone and threaten residents.

The organisation urged residents not to maintain any official organisational contact with Masood Marri.

Reiterating its position on internal discipline, the BLA said it had adhered to military regulations and organisational procedures since its establishment. It argued that organisations engaged in struggles for independence could not function effectively without discipline and a clear chain of command.

The statement said the organisation would take measures to prevent its members from violating military regulations or bypassing decisions made by the central leadership.