Protest erupts in PoK's Gilgit Baltistan against 'illegal detention' of leader by Pakistan

A group of people belonging to the Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (GBUM) conducted demonstrations against the Pakistani regime in the Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir’s (PoK) Gilgit Baltistan. The demonstrations were held against the “illegal detention” of the political activist and the movement leader, Shabir Mayar, by the Pakistani authorities. 

The exiled leader and the founder of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share the visuals of the protests. In a post on the social media platform, Shaukat stated that the demonstrations were carried out by members of GBUM, Awami Action Committee and Anzuman Tazran.

“Protest demonstration (Rondu, Aug 15) by Gilgit Baltistan United Movement, Awami Action Committee and Anzuman Tazran,” the exiled political leader wrote on X. He shared an image where people can be seen chanting slogans in support of the imprisoned leader. “People of Gilgit Baltistan protesting illegal detention of the leader demanding open Kargil- Skardu road for a reunion of divided families. Shabir Mayar is in detention,” he wrote in another post. Mayar demanded the authorities to open the road so that the estranged families can reunite with their long-lost relatives. 

The protesters demand Pakistan abide by the UN Resolution

On August 15, the group held a rally at Muzzafarabad, urging the Pakistani regime to comply with the August 13, 1948 UN Resolution and Truce Agreement. “Well organised rally at Muzzafarabad and asked Pakistan to comply in 13th August UN resolutions and Truce agreement. Resolution asked Pakistan to withdraw its troops and people who enter the state for fighting. Pakistan should comply.@GurkUna @UNHRC,” UKPNP chairman wrote in X.

In the 1948 resolution, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) demanded the withdrawal of forces from Kashmir to ensure peace and stability in the region. “UN promised to give unrestricted, unconditional right to freedom to the most deprived people of the region. it will not allow any state which can unilaterally alter or divide the state of Jammu-Kashmir,” Secretary Information UKPNP Europe Zone, Sajid Hussain said in a statement shared by Shaukat on X. The demonstrators are also demanding the end of inflation, load shedding, stop plundering of natural resources, huge electricity bills, extra taxes, and diversion of rivers and blockage of the water of the Neelam River.