Extending support to the cause of a free Balochistan, All India Radio will soon start an exclusive news bulletin in “Balochi” language for the people living in Balochistan province of Pakistan and adjoining areas.
The bulletin will be produced by Radio Kashmir and, according to what AIR sources told the media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has given the approval for the same.
All India Radio(AIR) too soon start programs in Balochi language. Govt gives approval : AIR sources
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 31, 2016
This move comes after Modi raked up the issue of human rights violations in Balochistan, Gilgit and PoK in his independence speech and also extended diplomatic support for the Baloch freedom struggle.
While it gravely irked Pakistan leaders, Balochistan leaders had thanked PM Modi for bringing up this issue and hoped that he raised the issue on international platforms as well.
Broadcasting programmes in the Balochi language may further irritate Pakistan.
Responding to this latest development, Congress leader Meem Afzal told ANI, “I think it is part of the government’s policy. Let’s see what kind of bulletins they run. I believe there is nothing to object to it as there are other languages also that are being run in AIR.”
Meanwhile, people from Balochistan thanked the Indian govt and appreciated this gesture
Once again thank you India #IndiaForBalochistan https://t.co/vgBUGQRfjM
— Ashraf Sherjan BRP (@a_sherjan) August 31, 2016
Baloch nation is Very happy to hear that. #IndiaForBalochistan, Thanks for the good news dear @tufailelif https://t.co/IedVxFF7yQ
— Sarbáz Balóc (@27_baloc) August 31, 2016
Great news sir. Thanks for your support.#IndiaForBalochistan. https://t.co/PNOpxAPLNl
— Walíd Lál Balóc (@waleed_balouch) August 31, 2016
Citizens back home also lauded the move:
Another good step by Modi Government that All India Radio will start news bulletins in balochi language.
— Tattwamashi Barik (@tattwamashi007) August 31, 2016
Its good that AIR will be telecasted in Balochi. India stands with Baluchistan and will expose barbarism of Pakistan on Baloch people.
— PULKIT KAUL (@PULKITKAUL1) August 31, 2016
Though everyone was not happy:
@narendramodi – PM of Indian Union or rest of world? First shut down all AIR’s in our lang stating finance, Now nod for #Balochi AIR
— Boopal Sridhar (@boopalsridhar) August 31, 2016
No fund for own regional lang news bulletins butRT@firstpost: #AllIndiaRadio to soon start programs in #Balochi language.Govt gives approval
— Dev… (@Dev_RS) August 31, 2016
Shun all languages of Indian Union and start AIR in #Balochi lang. This is Indian Union for you. Shame. https://t.co/gMw5XbeUVQ
— Boopal Sridhar (@boopalsridhar) August 31, 2016