On I-Day, Modi Rakes Up Balochistan, PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan

In his address, PM Modi hit out at Pakistan for supporting terrorism and spoke about the Peshawar school attack. (Photo: Reuters)

In a marked departure from India’s foreign policy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi came out openly in support of ‘freedom’ for Balochistan.

His comment is significant as invoking Balochistan targets both Pakistan and China. The China Pakistan Eco Corridor (CPEC) passes through Gilgit and Balochistan.

(Photo: Abhilash Mallick/The Quint)

He also mentioned the Peshawar school attack and hit out at Pakistan for supporting terrorism. This, he said, was in contrast to the way Indians reacted with sorrow when terrorists slaughtered school children in Peshawar.

I want to speak a bit about the people in Balochistan, Gilgit, Baltistan, and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The world is watching. People of Balochistan, Gilgit and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have thanked me a lot in the past few days,the Prime Minister said in his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort. I am grateful to them.

Prime Minister Modi 

In response, Baloch leader, Ashraf Sherjan thanked PM Modi for highlighting the Baloch cause for freedom internationally.

Inshallah soon we will celebrate India’s and Balochistan’s independence day together. Jai Hind!

Ashraf Sherjan, Baloch Republican Party

Earlier, Modi had said that it was time for Islamabad to explain to the world “why it has been committing atrocities on people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Balochistan”.