Dardistan Times

Gilgit: Burhanullah Khan, Central General Secretary Gilgit Baltistan Democratic Alliance  has demanded for a  partial and independent commission to resolve the conflict over Bhasha Dam and its boundaries. Mr. Burhan said that if the government continues the coercible construction of the dam, it will have to face serious reaction locally. The people of Gilgit Baltistan would not allow to use their land for the benefits of others. The region is a disputed area where expansionists cannot embark on developments which further escalate tension between the local people and other regions like Pokhtunistan. The dam constructed on the soil of Gilgit Baltistan would only benefit the Pokhtoonistan while displacing thousands of local people. Burhan appealed to the people of Chitral and Kohistan to stand by with Gilgit Baltistan based on their centuries old cultural, geographical and political relations with the region. Mr. Burhan termed the local leaders the Federal Puppets who only work for their personal political motives rather than struggling for the rights of the people of Gilgit Baltistan.The people of Gilgit Baltistan are disfranchised and deprived of the basic human rights even in the twenty first century. He said the GBDA would continue to push its 4-point agenda:  to establish a legislative Assembly, to restore the state subject rule, withdrawal of the bureaucracy and restoration of the historic routes.

Diamer Bhash Dam has stirred serious concerns among the local people and it seems an uphill to coax them unless their 62-year long deprivation and suppression is healed by the Government of Pakistan. The construction of the dam would displace thousands of the local people for the benefits of the people of other region.