Discussion over asylum in India remains fruitful: Baloch leader Bugti

Baloch Republican Party (BRP) chief Brahamdagh Bugti, who visited the Indian consulate in Geneva to inquire about the process of seeking asylum in India, said the discussion in this regard was very fruitful and hoped that things would go well in the process.

"We met officials and the discussion has been very fruitful. We discussed about the political asylum and other issues. I hope everything will go well," Bugti told ANI, adding that it would be immature to talk about it now.

Though he cited travel problems as the reason for the asylum, he said further discussions will be held.

Meanwhile, Mehran Marri, the Baloch representative to the European Union and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), who was also present there said, "We can't discuss much now. We just came to find out the procedure of the application. As Mr. Bugti said the discussion was very fruitful and we will continue to have further discussion on this topic."

Bugti had yesterday announced that he would appeal for a political asylum in India, adding the decision in this regard was taken in his party's central committee meeting.

"The meeting of our central committee ended... And in the meeting the members of the central committee have decided with majority that I will appeal for a political asylum in India," Bugti told ANI.

He had earlier said that he would certainly consider it if given an opportunity in the future.

"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.

When asked as to 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."

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