 Some have reported that Hyrbyair Marri has been the group's leader since 2007, but in an interview in 2015 he denied having any contact with the group.Hyrbyair's brother Balach had led the group from 2000 until he was killed in 2007.Indian newspaper "The Hindu" reported that BLA commanders in the past had sought medical treatment in India's hospitals, often under disguise or with fake identities.