Mumbai: Following arrest of Baloch nationalist leaders by Pakistan, the Shiv Sena today took a jibe at the Prime Minister asking him how he plans to help them. The Prime Minister had referenced Balochistan during his Independence Day speech and supported Baloch nationalist leaders.
“Baloch leaders have paid a heavy price for supporting Prime Minister Modi. Serious offences like waging a war against Pakistan have been registered against them. Will our Prime Minister send the army to save them from Pakistan or will he once again give a speech denouncing Pakistan’s action against them?” an editorial in the Sena’s mouthpiece Saamna said.
Five cases, including that of sedition, were registered recently against three top Baloch nationalist leaders in Pakistan who had thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support for their struggle.
Through the Saamna editorial, the Sena also questioned the Prime Minister on whether he planned to take any action against those waving Pakistani flags in Kashmir. The editorial also lambasted Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s stand on holding talks with the Hurriyat to end the cycle of violence that has gripped the state. The BJP is part of the Jammu and Kashmir government and an ally of Ms Mufti’s Peoples Democratic Party.
During his Independence Day speech, Mr Modi broke tradition to mention how Baloch leaders had thanked him for his support for their cause, and for also highlighting atrocities committed by Pakistan on the people for Balochistan.
In response, Pakistan had strongly criticised India for raising Balochistan saying it amounted to interference in Pakistan’s sovereign issues. Pakistan also promise to raise the issue of India’s alleged interference during September’s United Nation General Assembly session.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri in a speech last week had alleged that the Indian government “fully supports the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan.”