Cases against Baloch leaders for supporting Modi’s I-Day speech

Islamabad: Cases have been registered against separatist Baloch leaders Brahamdagh Bugti, Harbiyar Marri and Banuk Karima Baloch for supporting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statements on Balochistan, police said on Monday.

Five separate cases were registered on the complaints of petitioners who claimed that the three leaders had “supported” Modi’s August 15 remarks, Dawn online reported.

Modi in his Independence Day speech said the people of Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir had “thanked him a lot in the past few days” for raising rights’ abuse in the areas.

The Baloch leaders, said one of the petitioners, had asked Modi to commit aggression against Pakistan.

Modi’s statement sparked protests in Balochistan, with large numbers of tribesmen taking to the streets in protest in Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Quetta, Chaman and other parts of the province.

Balochistan chief minister Sanaullah Zehri, in a speech last week, slammed Modi’s statements, alleging that the Indian government “fully supports the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan”.

Zehri’s speech came days after a video showing exiled Baloch leader Brahamdagh Bugti appreciating “support” given by Modi began circulating on social media.

Zehri also alleged that the Indian government “is deeply involved in sponsoring elements like Brahamdagh Bugti, Harbiyar Marri, Zamran Marri and Allah Nazar”.

He accused Bugti of “getting funds from Indians”, alleging “that’s why he supported Modi’s statement”.