Not made a formal request for asylum in India: Brahamdagh Bugti

We want that the Indian Government should open there doors for them and provide them access, including myself, asserted Bugti

Baloch Republican Party founder Brahamdagh Bugti on Friday clarified that he has not made a formal request to India for asylum, but added that if does get the opportunity in the future, he would certainly consider it.

"Our people in Balochistan and Afghanistan are in a very difficult situation. Very few of them are able to come to Europe, rest are living there only. So, we want that the Indian Government should open there doors for them and provide them access, including myself. Right now, I'm here (Switzerland), but I face problem regarding my travel. So, if I get an option to be in India, I will definitely go there," Bugti told ANI.

He said that the request would be made formally after discussing the issue within the party on September 19.

"Till now, we haven't sought any asylum officially. On 19th of September, we have a central committee meeting of the BRP where we will finally decide on this and then make the process formal," he said.

On being asked about why he is seeking asylum in India, Bugti said, "India is our neighboring country. In Europe, even if a government or the immigration department knows the problem, the people don't. But in India, the people know about our problems, we will have their support. We share the same culture. We will be closer to our people and our people can easily seek asylum there, and it is easier for them to reach there with their families."

Responding to how he views the campaign that has started after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on Balochistan on August 15 during his Independence Day speech, Bugti said that it has helped to highlight the issue.

"It is very positive. We have always been trying to highlight the Balochistan issue nationally and internationally. But when Indian Prime Minister Modi Sahib talked about it, it got more highlighted and the public there knows about it now. Earlier nobody there (India) knew what is happening in Balochistan and people are talking about it now. Things are going in a good direction now," he said.

He added that India's intervention is important for the cause of Balochistan and that raising the issue in the United Nations will help get the attention of the Western countries.

"It is very important. When Narendra Modi sahib talked about it, neighbouring countries like Afghanistan and Bangladesh supported his statement. Similarly, when Indian Government will raise the issue in the UN then the western countries will think on it more seriously and will review their policies regarding Pakistan," said Bugti.

"The ground reality in Pakistan is exactly what we have been telling to the media. After Modi's statement they have intensified the operations. And now they are abducting children and women especially in Dera Bugti and Turbat. More than 100 people have gone missing since the incident. It is there (Pakistan) anger that why we welcomed India's remarks and thanked them," he said.

Baloch activists and leaders have continuously maintained that Pakistan is involved in the genocide of the Baloch people and that human rights violations are rampant in the region there..