‘Stop settling non-locals in Gilgit-Baltistan to change the demography of the area’, Political activists warn Pakistan Govt.

In a Conference held in Islamabad by political activists from various parts of PoJK and Gilgit Baltistan, the speakers warned the Pakistan Govt. against its biased approach towards the locals of the region. The activists asked the Govt to stop promoting and advocating extremism, violence and intolerance in the occupied region. The Conference was organised by the United Kashmir People's National Party on Thursday.

The activists gathered to speak up on the current issues related to the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Looking forward to possible ways to control such activities, the activists urged the Govt of Pakistan to take effective measures to monitor the actions of those who promote extremism, violence and intolerance in various parts of the PoJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. A resolution document was passed after the conference for the same.

Won’t accept the victimisation of Minorities

To convey their message to the Govt of Pakistan through the Conference, the speakers made it clear that they will not tolerate the victimisation of the minorities anymore. They demanded that Pakistan Govt. step forward to ensure that religious and ethnic minorities in the region not become victims of intolerance and hate.

Pakistan abolished the state subject rule in 1974 which led to the demographic changes in the territory. The resolution disclosed by the activists also stated that Pakistani authorities should respect the law and stop settlement of non-Kashmiris in Gilgit and Baltistan to change the demography of the area.

Reinstate the State Subject Rule of 1927

Summoning the Pakistani authorities, the conference organisers demanded to reinstate the State Subject Rule of 1927, as that is an important law of state of Jammu and Kashmir, which defines the citizenship of former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir and protects the rights.

Pakistan is settling non-locals to annex PoJK from last 72 yrs. Earlier, under the State Subject Rule, no one except the ones residing in the region could buy a land or property in the area. But in order to take charge of the entire region, Pakistan abolished the rule which made it possible for others to own property in the area. This led to the violation of rights of the citizens.

It further added, “This conference requests the government of Pakistan to refrain from annexing occupied areas, as that will exacerbate the situation. Instead, we request the Pakistani government to grant full independence to the region and recognise it as Independent State that the elected members could help the local people with everyday social, political and economic problems".