With the ongoing escalation in tensions between Shias and Sunnis, people in Pakistan occupied Gilgit-Baltistan have raised their voice to move towards Kargil and a unification with India.
Recently, a Shia cleric was arrested by Pakistan under the charges of blasphemy which led to protests in Skardu. With in no time, the protest spread across entire Pakistan occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (POGB). The ultimate disappointment of the local population reached its zenith and the protestors roared for the unification with India. During the protest, the people of Gilgit Baltistan said that they would not move towards Sindh or Punjab, but they would move towards Kargil- indicating a reunification with India.
In a video from Skardu, a protestor addressing the public said, “Neither we will fear anyone nor bow in front of anyone. If you (Pakistan) try to cross our path, then we will definitely go to Kargil.” He threatened Pakistan by saying that if they tried to arrest their religious leaders, either side will not be able to survive. While saying this he again challenged Pakistan by sating that they will break the barriers and move to Kargil. Meanwhile, thousands of people followed him in sloganeering in favour of moving to Kargil.
Pakistan has illegally occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, and has gone all out to hide the atrocities and subversion that it has perpetuated. To further worsen the situation, it is now using the controversial “Blasphemy” laws to oppress the people. This has aroused resentment in the people of POGB.
Blasphemy- A tool of persecution
Be it Sindh, Balochistan, POGB or POJK, Pakistan with its filthy policies has itself proved that it does not consider these regions as their own territory. One of the significant evidence of it is Pakistan’s attitude towards this region is during the time of hardship. While Islamabad is facing economic upheavals, it has left no stone unturned to shed that load indiscriminately upon the people of POJK and POGB. Whether it is wheat flour or electricity shortage or the lack of development it is POGB and POJK that have suffered the most. Now with the blasphemy “tool” Pakistan is inflicting havoc over the Shia majorities in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Consequently, not only the local civilians but also the government employees including civil servants are turning their back on Pakistan. Having the clear indication of the situation, the occupying government under the direct influence of Pakistan issued an order to initiate the disciplinary procedures against the officials and civil servants involved in aiding the protests against Pakistan and the Army.
As a result, some Police officials and teachers have reportedly been arrested. This has aggravated the situation. Shias have been targeted across Pakistan but in POGB, where they are in majority, such divisive policies of blasphemy have opened the eyes of people. Now they are clearly able to see how the stable Kargil is prospering and the POGB is paying the cost for its illegal occupation and instability. And that is why the calls for merging with India have emerged in POGB.