Modi understands pain of our people: Baloch leader

Prime Minister Narendra Modi understands the ‘pain’ of the people of Balochistan, the leadership of which has sought India’s help for the “first time in 70 years”, a prominent Baloch leader said here on Saturday.

Activist Mazdak Dilshad Baloch expressed satisfaction with the Indian response to the “Baloch appeal”, saying Modi’s Independence Day speech had played “a major role in spreading awareness” about the “atrocities” of the Pakistani State on Balochistan.

But, during the event on ‘Baloch Nationality’ where the young leader spoke, social commentator Tarek Fatah countered his claim, saying exiled Baloch leader Brahumdagh Bugti had been to India for medical treatment.

Bugti has recently sought asylum in India. “India is with us. Narendra Modi understands our pain. In the last 70 years, no Baloch leader has come to India. But now, we have come and we are happy with the response. We thank (External Affairs Minister) Sushma Swaraj for her UNGA speech,” Mazdak said.