NEW DELHI: When 25-year-old Mazdak Dilshad Baloch arrived in India a few months ago, he raised the suspicion of immigration authorities at the New Delhi airport. Mazdak had a Canadian passport which showed the place of birth as Quetta in Pakistan.

Mazdak, one of the few Baloch refugees in New Delhi told ET: “I was at pain explaining to the immigration authority that I was not a Pakistani. Call me a dog, but not a Pakistani. I am a Baloch. I am a Baloch. Because of my place of birth, I faced a lot of harassment.”

The story of Mazdak is similar to thousands of Baloch who have sought asylum in different parts of the world after being hounded by the Pakistan army. Mazdak’s father was abducted, mother harassed and properties damaged.

The family had to seek asylum in Canada where they reside now. Mazdak and his wife are in India to create awareness about the Baloch freedom movement.

The family had to seek asylum in Canada where they reside now. Mazdak and his wife are in India to create awareness about the Baloch freedom movement.

They are happy that for the first time in 70 years of their struggle New Delhi has lend open support to their struggle.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech had said: “I want to express my gratitude to the people of Balochistan, Gilgit and PoK for the way they wholeheartedly thanked me, the way they expressed gratitude to me… People of a distant land I haven’t even seen… When they thank the Indian prime minister, it’s an honour for the 125 crore people of the country.”