The persistent and intensifying protests in Gilgit Baltistan signify a culmination of deep-seated grievances that have been festering over an extended period. Despite enduring harsh freezing temperatures for a month, the populace in Gilgit has displayed remarkable resilience and unity in what can be deemed as one of the most robust protests witnessed against the perceived occupation by Pakistan.
Photo - Gilgit Baltistan. Credit - Reuters
This unrest was initially triggered by the issue of escalating wheat prices, a matter that sheds light on the region's economic exploitation. The Awami Action Committee (AAC), at the forefront of these demonstrations, has articulated a comprehensive list of demands, providing insight into the multifaceted challenges faced by the local population. Central to their concerns is the staunch opposition to the newly proposed Gilgit Baltistan Finance Act 2023, which seeks to impose a range of taxes on the tourism sector, the primary economic lifeline for the region. This, coupled with imposed 'austerity measures' for government employees, further exacerbates the economic strain on the local population.
What adds fuel to the already blazing fire of discontent is the backdrop of the region's constitutional ambiguity. Gilgit Baltistan, despite not being constitutionally part of Pakistan, finds itself subjected to substantial indirect taxes levied by Islamabad. The echoes of the historical cry 'no taxation without representation' reverberate through the AAC's demands, with a call for fair representation in national financial matters, akin to any other state.
Beyond economic concerns, the protestors raise their voices against the existing assembly structure in Gilgit Baltistan, advocating for the establishment of a Constituent Assembly to replace what they perceive as a mere rubber-stamp body. The demand for free electricity from the Diamer Bhasha dam and a shift towards direct royalty, rather than water use rights and net hydel profits, also feature prominently in their grievances.
Intriguingly, the protests extend beyond local economic and governance issues to encompass geopolitical dimensions. The protestors demand the acceptance of local ownership over uncultivated and barren land, an issue that has implications for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The encroachment on these lands, highlighted by the rapid development of Special Economic Zones, has not only stirred local discontent but also garnered support from members of the Gilgit Baltistan Council.
The article posits potential solutions to the ongoing crisis, acknowledging the complex geopolitical landscape. It contemplates scenarios such as Gilgit Baltistan becoming part of India, the region attaining full statehood (a prospect favorable to China for streamlining CPEC paperwork), or a mid-way solution involving trade with India and limited self-governance.
As the tensions continue to escalate, the urgency to find a comprehensive and equitable resolution becomes increasingly apparent, and the diverse demands and grievances expressed by the protestors underscore the depth and complexity of the situation. The suggested titles aim to encapsulate the multifaceted nature of the ongoing protests and the underlying issues faced by the people of Gilgit Baltistan.
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