Baloch leader Mazdak Dilshad Baloch on Saturday thanked India for its support to the region’s cause, The Indian Express reported. Baloch alleged human rights violations by Pakistan and its army and said the people of the region wanted an “Azad Balochistan”.

“We believe in democracy,” Baloch said at a conference organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-linked Indian Policy Foundation. “Pakistan army beats our children in school and make them sing the national anthem.” Baloch further asserted the Kashmir issue would be resolved if the people of the state spoke with the Indian government and “let go of Pakistan”, according to the Hindustan Times. “Kashmiris should see the expansionist plans of Pakistan,” he said.

Baloch’s remarks come after Pakistan on September 25 said it will approach Interpol to seek another Baloch leader, Brahamdagh Bugti’s extradition to the country. Bugti has applied for asylum in India. The row over the region began after Pakistan dedicated its Independence Day to the “freedom of Kashmir”, following which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought up alleged human rights abuses in the disputed Balochistan region during his own Independence Day remarks.