Pakistan train hijack: Militants claim they executed 214 hostages
What's the story
Separatist group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the hijack of a train in Pakistan's Balochistan province.
The group claims they have 214 hostages, whom they have now executed after their ultimatum was ignored by Pakistani forces.
Jeeyand Baloch, BLA spokesperson, said they had provided Pakistani authorities a 48-hour deadline to act, which wasn't met.
Statement
Ultimatum and execution claimed by BLA
In a statement, Baloch said, "Baloch Liberation Army had given the Pakistani army a 48-hour ultimatum to exchange prisoners of war, which was the last chance for the occupying army to save their personnel. However, Pakistan displaying its traditional stubbornness and military arrogance not only avoided serious negotiations but also turned a blind eye to the ground realities."
He added their adherence to international law was compromised due to Pakistan's "stubbornness" leading to hostage deaths.
Denial
Pakistan Army denies BLA's claims
The BLA hasn't submitted any evidence for its claims.
Responding, Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Pakistan Army's spokesperson said their soldiers had killed 33 militants and rescued 354 hostages.
He also denied any evidence of additional hostages being taken by the BLA and accused them of making exaggerated claims.
This comes after the BLA attacked Jaffar Express train on Tuesday, blowing up a railway track and opening fire.
Aftermath
Casualties and allegations following train attack
Following the attack on the train, Chaudhary said that 31 people had died including 23 soldiers, three railway employees and 5 passengers.
He further alleged that India and Afghanistan are backing the insurgents in this case.
However, both countries have rejected these charges by Pakistan.
The BLA's claims and the subsequent denials are a glaring indication of the tension building up in the region.