A welcoming omen
THE recent arrest of Gulzar Imam Shambay, the head of the Baloch National Army (BNA), sets another milestone in countering militant activities and agendas in Pakistan’s Balochistan province which has long been plagued by multiple militant groups with divergent objectives. The arrest of Shambay, a prominent figure in the militant landscape, highlights the Intelligence and Law Enforcement Agencies’ strenuous efforts and astute competency, but also signifies a blow to the activities of BNA and other militant outfits in the region.
Balochistan, over the years, has witnessed various militant activities by anti-state insurgent groups, often sponsored by hostile intelligence agencies. The TTP has limited presence in northern Balochistan, whereas the BLA prosecutes its objectives in Quetta and the surrounding areas. The Baloch Republican Army (BRA) and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) have remained active in southern Balochistan, persistently and specifically targeting LEAs. Additionally, scattered pockets and sleeper cells of the Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-KP) have been moderately active in Quetta and north-east Balochistan.
Gulzar Imam Shambay initially worked as a contractor and correspondent for a local newspaper before joining a terrorist group in 2009. He served in the BRA till 2018 and following the formation of Baloch Raj Aajoi Sangar (BRAS), Shambay established the (in-)famous BNA, becoming its ideologue and a leading militant figure steering militant activities, particularly in South Balochistan. He was a proponent behind the ideology for an independent Balochistan, maintained contacts with hostile elements and in December, 2017 visited India on fake documents.
Extensive but successful intelligence operations made the arrest of Shambay possible. Initial leads and intelligence on the hierarchy and leadership of militant groups were obtained through ongoing investigations and the placement of moles within the various organizations. These leads were authenticated by state-of-the-art technologies and software, enabling the authorities to penetrate secured networks used by hostile agents. Shambay was identified and approached by trained professionals who guised themselves as agents from hostile agencies. Through months of false proposals of financial and technological aids, Shambay was lured in and caught through a calculated stratagem.
Shambay, after his arrest and when presented in front of the media, confessed to the anarchy in the region and asked fellow militants of other organizations to lay down their arms and foster peace dialogue. Shambay, while rendering his apologies to the people of Balochistan and the State, said that weaponry and arms have brought nothing but further downfall for Balochistan and Balochs. He further admitted that he was wrong to instigate people and urged everyone to abide by the laws of Pakistan and mentioned that peace talks are the only way forward.
Shambay’s arrest showcases the effectiveness of the intelligence agencies in breaking into terrorist networks and disrupting their activities. Shambay’s seizure highlights the prowess and professionalism of Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies for effectively paralyzing militants’ backbone and their resolve for long lasting peace in the province, however, complete suppression of militancy requires good and sophisticated governance throughout the country. Shambay’s revelations and arrest might create a ripple effect on other militant outfits, hence contributing to the overall peace, security and development of Balochistan.
The success of this operation highlights the need for reconciliation, surrender and integration of militant groups to pave the way for a prosperous and stable Balochistan. The arrest of such a prominent figure will have an adverse effect on the other militants, making it imperative for them to reconcile, surrender and integrate into the society. This integration would pave the way for the development of Balochistan and Pakistan; offering better socio-economic opportunities, improved healthcare, education and societal well-being.
—The writer is associated with the South Asia Times.
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