High Asia Herald Correspondent
GILGIT: The Awami Workers Party Gilgit-Baltistan (AWPGB) has rejected the controversial Land Reforms Act, reiterated its support for the demands of Diamer Dam affected people, and criticised the Sost Border Pass policy, calling it exploitative against small traders.
These decisions were made during a meeting of the party’s executive committee, senior leaders, district and tehsil units’ office-bearers, held the other day at the party’s central office in Aliabad, Hunza.
The meeting was presided over by Comrade Baba Jan, President of AWP Gilgit-Baltistan.
The meeting extensively discussed organisational matters and addressed key political and social issues facing Gilgit-Baltistan, according to a press release issued by the spokesperson of the party.
Land Reforms Act
The meeting strongly condemned the recently passed controversial Land Reforms Act by the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly. The party clarified that the local communities are owners of the lands, pastures, mountain peaks, riverbanks, and mineral and water resources.
The party accused the toothless rubber stamp assembly of passing this act to protect the illegal occupation of land and resources by non-local investors.
The AWP warned that if the act is implemented, the party in collaboration with all progressive and pro-people organizations will resist it and launch a public movement.
Sost border pass policy
The meeting also condemned the exploitative policies implemented by the government against small traders at the Sost Border and Sost Dry Port. The party stated that the requirement of Rs5 million in bank transactions for border passes is an attempt to economically cripple local small traders.
The AWP demanded that the government immediately abolish these anti-trader policies.
Support for Diamer Dam Affected people
The meeting reaffirmed its support for the ongoing protest sit-in by Diamer Dam affected people, which has been continuing for two weeks. The party stated that it stands firmly with the protesters and fully supports their demands.
The AWP warned that if the government fails to address the demands of the affected communities, party workers and leaders will march toward Chilas in solidarity.
The Diamer Dam protest movement has gained significant momentum in recent weeks, with the affected people demanding fair compensation, resettlement, and the protection of their rights. The construction of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, the $29 billion mega hydropower project, has displaced thousands of families and disrupted local livelihoods.
Protesters claim that the government has failed to provide adequate compensation and address their grievances, leading to widespread frustration. The AWP’s support for the movement highlights the growing public discontent and the need for urgent government action to resolve the issue.
Strengthening organizational structure
The meeting also made several important decisions to strengthen the party’s organizational structure. The AWP reaffirmed its commitment to intensify the struggle for the protection of the rights of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The meeting was attended by party leaders, including Comrade Baba Jan, General Secretary Sher Nadar-Shahi, Spokesperson Zahoor Elahi, finance secretary Noor Khan, Secretary Education Akhun Bai, Secretary Labour Amin Hunzai, Secretary Arts Altaf Laghal, central committee members senior leader Wajid Beg, and Abid Karim Tashi, Islam Shah, Adina Muhammad, Amin Jan, Karim Khan, Comrade Sami, Comrade Janu, Comrade Abrar, and others.
In the end, they vowed to continue their struggle to protect the rights of the people and resist any government action against public interests.
They appealed to the public to join in this struggle and remain united in protecting their rights.