Mass protest erupts in Pak-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan against soaring wheat price
Against the indiscriminate hike in wheat prices, the Awami Action Committee is protesting at Shahid Yadgar Chowk in Skardu, POGB. The protest has entered its fourth day today and the Awami Action Committee is demanding the immediate revocation of the increase and the reinstatement of the subsidized price. The protest is getting unprecedented support from people as the protest saw participation from thousands of people.
Fierce protest ahead
For quite some time, the occupying government was planning to increase wheat prices to Rs. 36 per k.g., which the committee warned against by threatening to start a protest. Despite being aware of people’s sentiments, on December 26, the occupying government released a notification regarding the price hike. Since then, thousands of people, under the aegis of the Awami Action Committee, have been protesting against the ignorant establishment in Skardu.
Meanwhile, the committee has also announced widespread protests across Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan from January 1, the same day when the new prices would apply.
As the committee had already warned of protests, the occupying government apparently knew that the protest could turn into a mass movement and hence, beforehand imposed Section 144, banning every type of protest at Karakoram Highway and Baltistan Highway on December 25.
Increase in Wheat Price
The hike in wheat prices has been a bone of contention between the people of Pak-occupied Gilgit Baltistan and their occupying government. Earlier, the price of wheat was Rs. 20 per k.g, which has now been unprecedentedly increased by 80% to Rs. 36 per k.g. The Awami Action Committee, representing the people, has argued that since Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (POGB) is a disputed territory under the control of Pakistan, it is entitled to receive subsidized wheat and other basic amenities based on UN regulations. The people are enraged to see that while their resources, land, among others, are exploited indiscriminately by Pakistan, they barely reap the fruits of their own resources.
Against this brutal and oppressive regime, Shahid Yadgar Chowk in Skardu is currently echoing the voices of protest, consistently warning Pakistan and its puppet occupying government in the region to refrain from testing the patience of the people.
Pakistan Army arbitrarily arrests two PTM activists amidst increasing hostility between the two
Pakistan Army has once again arrested PTM activists amid the escalating tensions between PTM and the Army over Manzoor Pashteen’s arrest. The recent arrest of Adnan Waziri, a student and PTM activist from Bannu on December 28, has raised serious concerns. In the meantime, another PTM activist Muqib Afridi was also picked up by the Army. Both have been implicated in false FIRs, reflecting a worrying trend of arbitrary arrests by Pakistani totalitarian apparatus.
It is worth mentioning that Adnan Waziri is a PTM worker form North Waziristan while he studies in Peshawar University. After his arrest, he was sent to judicial remand on December 29. On the other hand, Muqib Afridi is PTM’s district coordinator of Khyber district hailing from Bannu town. As of now, his whereabouts still remains unknown.
This development unfolds amidst the ongoing agitation by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) following the illegal arrest of its leader, Manzoor Pashteen. Simultaneously, PTM is actively supporting the Baloch Long March to Islamabad, events that have unsettled the Pakistani establishment.
Pakistan’s apprehension is evident in its arbitrary targeting of PTM activists who possess the potential to challenge the Pakistan Army sponsored persecution.
The arrests of Waziri and Afridi underscore a pattern of suppressing dissent and stifling voices that dare to question the establishment’s policies. This approach not only violates fundamental rights but also expose the undemocratic nature of the de-facto rule of military.
The Pakistan Army’s nervous reaction to these movements signifies its discomfort with dissenting voices and its fear of losing control over the narrative. It’s imperative to recognize and condemn these arbitrary arrests, advocating for the protection of fundamental freedoms and the right to dissent in Pakistan.
Surge in wheat price is a suicidal attack on the impoverished people of POGB: Awami Action Committee
An emergency meeting convened by the Awami Action Committee of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (POGB), under the leadership of Chief Coordinator Ehsan Ali Advocate, took place in Gilgit. The meeting was attended by members of the committee’s core team and esteemed senior leaders. During the meeting, members of the committee voiced concerns, sorrow, and indignation in response to the occupying government’s notification on the surge in wheat prices. A resolute declaration to launch robust public opposition against the occupying government’s injustice was made.
Furthermore, key leaders issued immediate directives for protest mobilization across all districts and administrative divisions in response to the latest orders of the occupying government.
80% increase in wheat prices in one stroke
Notably, on December 26, the occupying government issued a notification that increased the wheat prices by Rs. 16. Earlier, the price of wheat was Rs. 20, which is now been increased to Rs. 36, with effect from January 1, 2024. More disturbing is the fact that a one shot heavy surge of 80 % in prices comes at a point when the native Kashmiris are already protesting against the hike for past many months. Therefore, the recent notification echoes the concerns of people in the region that their voice is going unheard on the ears of occupying authoritarian regime.
Nevertheless, categorically denouncing the occupying government’s measures as a suicidal attack on the people of Pakistan occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (POGB), the committee urged the public to vehemently oppose this mistreatment, stressing the necessity for public mobilization in defence of their rights. They emphasised that it was incumbent upon the populace to step out of their houses to assert their rights. Failure to do so, they cautioned, would result in the Pakistani establishment exploiting the wheat crisis through the imposition of unjust levels.
The committee is slated to unveil an action plan on December 31, leaving no refuge for ineffectual authorities. Encouraging unity and solidarity, they vowed the people’s unwavering support alongside the Awami Action Committee in their pursuit of justice.
Islamabad Police tries to confiscate Baloch protesters’ speaker
Recently, the Islamabad Police made an attempt to seize the speaker used by Baloch protesters during a seminar at the protest site. The incident unfolded as law enforcement officers sought control over the audio equipment employed by demonstrators to amplify their voices.
Despite police efforts, the Baloch protesters, led by Dr. Mah Rang and others, vehemently resisted the confiscation attempt. In a display of resilience, they successfully prevented the authorities from taking possession of the speaker.
The situation unfolded during a scheduled seminar at the protest site, where police personnel arrived and endeavored to take control of the equipment utilized by demonstrators for communication. Dr. Mah Rang and fellow activists confronted the police, managing to reclaim the speaker in the process.
Video footage shared on various social media platforms captured Dr. Mah Rang addressing the Baloch police, asserting that confiscating the speaker would not silence their voices. She emphasized the significance of the speaker in bringing attention to the grievances of Baloch people, stating that it symbolizes the cries of mothers and the plight of the oppressed.
During the incident, a police officer was reported to have remarked that their presence was merely to observe the situation.
Reacting to the police action, a civilian at the scene questioned the officers, asking, “Who are you to enjoy watching and making such comments? Would you say the same if your children were missing?”
This incident follows a pattern, with Sammi Deen, Vice Chair for Baloch Missing Persons, noting that it’s perplexing how law enforcement consistently takes issue with their sound system. The latest episode saw the police forcefully confiscating the speaker from the ongoing protest camp in Islamabad. The Baloch activists maintain their stance, asserting their right to peaceful expression and highlighting their struggle through various means, including public seminars.
The march began in response to the extrajudicial killing of Balach Mola Bakhsh by the Pak Army, sparking concerns about enforced disappearances and human rights abuses in Pak-occupied-Balochistan
Baloch United Front sets deadline for Pak Army to meet Baloch Long March protesters’ demands
Islamabad : On 28 Dec, leaders of the Baloch United Front (BUF) held a press conference at their protest camp in front of the Press Club in Islamabad. They condemned the Pakistan Army’s use of force against the Baloch Long March, which has been ongoing for the past week. The march began in response to the extrajudicial killing of Balach Mola Bakhsh by the Pak Army.
The BUF leaders said that the Army has used violence, baton charges, water cannons, jail, humiliation, and other means to try to sabotage the march. They pointed to the attacks on Baloch women and children, the arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances of hundreds of Baloch students and youth who had gathered to welcome the long march participants, and the harassment of women who were sleeping at night.
Baloch United Front Calls
The BUF leaders stated that, when these tactics failed to halt the march, the Army resorted to employing journalists disguised as officials to torment the participants. They mentioned that many of these journalists were dispatched with the intent of crafting a false narrative about the long march participants. Furthermore, the Army exerted pressure on the families of victims of enforced disappearances and other political activists to propagate their narrative, aiming to divert attention from terrorism, murder, and enforced disappearances.
The BUF leaders emphasized that the Army’s sincerity and commitment to negotiations are questionable. On one hand, it claims to be willing to negotiate with the protesters to address the issues, while on the other hand, it persists in arresting, kidnapping, detaining, torturing, and harassing protesters. They highlighted the misleading information presented to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, noting that two days ago, the Islamabad Police falsely reported that all the students had been released.
Protesters Demand Rights
The BUF leaders said that the families of victims of enforced disappearances, people who have been subjected to Army repression, and political activists have come to Islamabad from thousands of miles away in search of justice. However, they stated that the Army’s behavior has been anything but that of an army dealing with its citizens. Instead, it has been the behavior of a master dealing with its slaves.
The BUF leaders stated that they have given the Army a seven-day ultimatum to negotiate on the following demands:
- A fact-finding mission, led by the United Nations Working Group on Human Rights, should be dispatched to Pak-occupied-Balochistan to investigate human rights violations.
- A treaty aimed at ending enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Pak-occupied-Balochistan should be signed in the presence of the United Nations Working Group.
- All Baloch individuals who have been forcibly disappeared, especially those whose families are involved in the protest, should be released immediately.
- The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), the agency responsible for extrajudicial killings in Pak-occupied-Balochistan, should be banned, and death squads operated by the Army should be disbanded. A written statement to this effect should be issued.
- The Army should acknowledge its involvement in the killing of forcibly disappeared individuals in fake encounters. In this regard, a letter of confession should be issued by the Ministry of Interior, and a press conference should be conducted, including the names of all the victims.
- Additionally, all fake First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against peaceful protesters should be withdrawn.
Baloch Families Seek Justice
The BUF leaders have stated that if the Army does not engage in serious negotiations on these demands and persists on behaving as it has over the past week, the BUF will express its disappointment to the Army’s institutions and present its case to the Baloch people. The people will then make a decision.
The BUF leaders emphasized that the Army has one week to demonstrate to the Baloch people its sincerity in ending the genocide of the Baloch population. All forms of human rights abuses and illegal actions, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other forms of repression, must be halted immediately. If the Army is unwilling to change its colonial mindset, then the decision will rest with the Baloch people’s court.
Attack on Hindu temple President’s residence rattles community in Canada
The Surrey Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is actively investigating an alarming incident after gunfire targeted the residence of a prominent Hindu businessman. The incident, occurring on December 27 at approximately 8:03 a.m. in the 14900 block of 80 Avenue, has raised concerns within the community. According to a statement by Surrey RCMP, the targeted home belongs to the son of Satish Kumar, president of the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey. At least 14 rounds were reportedly fired at the house, as confirmed by Kumar.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with Kumar stating, “I can’t say whether [the attack] was by Khalistanis or some extortionist. Police is investigating the case.” Previous incidents of alleged targeting of the temple by Khalistani activists were also mentioned by Kumar.
Although no injuries were reported, the house showed damage consistent with bullet holes. Police conducted a thorough investigation at the scene, gathering evidence and seeking potential witnesses or CCTV footage from the area.
The Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit has taken charge of the case, aiming to determine the motive behind the attack.
Increased vandalism of Hindu temples
This incident adds to the concerns within Hindu communities in Canada, coinciding with increased vandalism and attacks on temples. Community leaders urge law enforcement to treat these incidents as potential hate crimes and calls for enhanced security measures for temples.
Previously in November, Canadian MP Chandra Arya shared a video allegedly depicting pro Khalistani supporters in Surrey, hinting at disruptions at the Hindu Lakshmi Narayan Mandir.
Recent episodes include temple vandalism in Surrey and the defacement of temples in Brampton and the Greater Toronto area with anti-India graffiti. These occurrences align with a surge in pro-Khalistan activities and online rhetoric advocating for a separate Sikh state.
Community leaders emphasize the need for law enforcement to probe these incidents as potential hate crimes and allocate resources for temple security. The Canadian government has denounced the attacks and pledged support for affected communities.
Despite assurances, apprehension lingers within the Hindu community. India has also raised concerns regarding defaced Hindu temples in Canada on multiple occasions.
Pak desperate to create unrest in Kashmir post Art 370 abrogation
That normalcy returning to Kashmir Valley irks those who stand to gain from unrest in this region is a well known fact. This lot comprises the pro-Pakistan lobby who thrive on lavish financial incentives provided by Pakistan Army’s spy agency Inter Services Intelligence [ISI], as well as local politicians who cunningly push the discourse of abnormality to further their own motivated agendas and self serving interests.
This year has been a particularly good one for the people of Kashmir as the results of the post Article 370 abrogation people-centred initiatives launched by both the center and J&K’s Union Territory administration have started showing. Furthermore, tourism, which provides sustenance to thousands of locals and is the mainstay of J&K’s economy, is booming once again and with the culture of frequent protests and shutdowns becoming a thing of the past, its business as usual in Kashmir Valley.
While the locals are happy with the current state of affairs and improving security situation, such a scenario irks Pakistan to no end and as such the ISI continues working overtime to ‘manufacture’ abnormality. After Article 370 abrogation, ISI created new terrorist groups like The Resistance Front [TRF] and People’s Anti-Fascist Front [PAFF] to wreak havoc in J&K and thereby create an impression that things here weren’t normal.
It’s no secret that TRF and PAFF are offshoots of Lashkar-e-Taiba [LeT] and Jaish-e-Mohammad [JeM] terrorist groups respectively and their prime focus on attacking minority community members, migrant workers and off duty police men clearly indicates that their sole aim is to create an atmosphere of fear. Luckily, the security forces assisted by J&K police and the local population have been able to apprehend several ‘hybrid’ terrorists recruited by Pakistan’s proxies and thwarted ISI plans to escalate violence levels.
Nevertheless, the pro-Pakistan lobby continues to peddle falsehood by painting a doomsday scenario in J&K and the unfortunate death of three civilians who had been taken into custody for questioning by security forces after terrorists ambushed two army vehicles in Poonch is the latest example. Though unpardonable, this tragic incident is clearly an aberration, which in all probability is the result of those involved violating the laid down standard operating procedures on this subject.
The fact that the Army has been completely honest and forthcoming in taking full responsibility for these deaths without offering any excuses or making any attempt to shield the guilty is praiseworthy as it demonstrates its zero tolerance for human rights violations. However, the pro-Pakistan lobby in J&K has found this incident to be a handy stick for beating the security forces with and is trying to peddle a completely erroneous impression of jungle prevailing in J&K by pasting posters suggesting that the daily life of Kashmiris has worsened.
That this poster campaign hasn’t succeeded only goes to prove that the people of Kashmir have outrightly rejected this ludicrous allegation.
Both the civil administration and army have reacted responsibly to this incident. While the former has sanctioned compensation to bereaved families of the deceased and assured government jobs for their next of kin, the Army has ordered a court of inquiry to conduct a time bound investigation of this incident and establish the facts. Furthermore, in order to ensure complete objectivity and rule out the scope of any unwarranted influence on the investigation, the army has even removed officers who could possibly have vested interests in this case from the appointments they were holding when this incident occurred.
What merits attention is that despite extreme provocation by Pakistan apologists, the people of Kashmir continue to repose implicit faith in the Indian army and its justice system. Public anger amongst locals due to the death of three civilians detained by the Army for questioning is but natural. However, the pro Pakistan lobby needs to realise that its attempts to claim that this specific instance of collective ire is an all inclusive ‘thumbs down’ given to the Indian army is, by any standards, being too farfetched and convinces no one!
Dera Ghazi Khan families join Islamabad protest against Baloch enforced disappearances by Pak Army
Islamabad: Amid ongoing protests against Baloch genocide and enforced disappearances in Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan, families from Dera Ghazi Khan added their voices to the call for justice. They marched alongside Baloch activists in the capital, Islamabad, demanding the recovery of their loved ones who vanished at the hands of Pakistan Army.
Islamabad is currently witnessing fervent demonstrations as families and relatives of both Balochistan’s disappeared individuals and those missing at the hands of Pakistan Army in Dera Ghazi Khan join forces to amplify their collective voice. The primary objective of the protest is to draw attention to the urgent need for the recovery of the forcibly disappeared and to seek accountability for these troubling incidents.
One of the participants in the protest, Zulfiqar Ali, shared the heart-wrenching story of Sona Buzdar, who was forcibly disappeared on March 16, 2017, from the Zinda Pir area of Dera Ghazi Khan. Zulfiqar emphasized that despite the passage of time, Sona Buzdar’s whereabouts remain unknown, intensifying the anguish of the family.
The protest also sheds light on the disappearance of Muhammad Ijaz, son of Saeedullah Baloch, who vanished from Tonsa Sharif on September 23, 2023. Ijaz, a dispensary worker in Multan, disappeared after appearing for FSC exams. His family, grappling with uncertainty, disclosed that on the night of September 23rd, Ijaz left home for the clinic at 11 a.m. He was seen on CCTV footage going towards Chowk Hashim, but no trace of him has been found since.
The protest, a stark reminder of the human cost of enforced disappearances, adds another layer to the complex tapestry of Pakistan’s human rights struggles. The march began in response to the extrajudicial killing of Balach Mola Bakhsh by the Pak Army, sparking concerns about enforced disappearances and human rights abuses in Pak-occupied-Balochistan. As the families of Dera Ghazi Khan and Balochistan join forces, their shared grief becomes a powerful call for action, demanding that the Army listen and act with justice and transparency.
Sindh: Radical Islamists attack another Hindu Temple
In a series of attacks on minority’s places of worship in Pakistan, Rama Pir Temple also known as Baba Ram Dev Mandir, another Hindu temple has been attacked by a radicalised mob in Tando Allahyar, Sindh.
CCTV footage from the temple premises clearly shows a radical extremist mob with sticks and batons in their hands and attack the temple and start beating Hindu worshippers. The chilling visuals yet again stress towards a disturbing reality of unending persecution of minority Hindus in Pakistan.
Interestingly, the Hindu temple being attacked is the third largest Hindu pilgrimage site in Sindh and holds immense significance among the community, dedicated to an 19th century saint Baba Ramdev.
Hindus are continuously targeted by the radical Islamists in Pakistan, be it through the deadly attacks, framing in blasphemy cases, abduction of Hindu women and minor girls, their forcible conversion or marriage. The sole motive behind these illicit practices is to convert the entire population of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. In line with that temples also come under a strong attack as the places of worship act as a center of faith for any religion. Attacking the temples is clearly a blatant violation of human and minority rights that is guided against religious diversity.
Notably, Pakistan has a history of vandalizing temples, sometimes at the behest of establishment too. Earlier, a 100-year-old Mari Mata mandir and Hinglaj Mata Mandir were vandalized in Sindh. The attack on the Hindu temple in n Tando Allahyar once again reminds that Hindus in Pakistan are not safe and that immediate measures needs to be taken to protect them.