No support after PM’s last year speech

A year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had mentioned Balochistan in his Independence Day speech, a senior Baloch activist has said that there is disappointment over the lack of Indian support.

Speaking to The Hindu, a representative of the Baloch Republican Party (BRP) based in Europe said that India has not responded to asylum requests from the leaders or activists of the Baloch movement.

“There has not been any formal communication with the Baloch leadership from the Indian authorities,” said Azizullah Bugti, explaining that India has not moved on the request to grant asylum to the exiled leader of the Bugti tribes of Balochistan, Brahumdagh Bugti.

“The India government is not ready to practically help us,” he added.

However, despite being disappointed, Azizullah Bugti pointed out that there has been one positive outcome after Mr. Modi spoke of Balochistan as it increased awareness of the challenges in Balochistan under Pakistani rule. He said issues like asylum for activists and their families and educational requirements have not been addressed by India.