Wheat price hike: No let-up in protests despite freezing cold in G-B

GILGIT: In the midst of severe cold, protests against the hike in the prices of subsidised wheat and other issues have gained momentum, with hundreds participating in rallies across Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday.

On Friday, on the call of the Awami Action Committee (AAC), an alliance of political, regional and religious parties, demonstrations were held in Gilgit, Skardu, Kharmang, Hunza, Nagar, Astore, Ghanche, Ghizer, Shigar and other areas.

The protests saw participation from diverse groups, including members from various political groups, civil society organisations, trade unions, and transport and tourism sectors. Protesters expressed their discontent with the government’s decision, chanting slogans and vowing to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met and the decision is reversed.

The protests saw participation from diverse groups, including political parties, civil society organisations, trade unions, and representatives from the transport and tourism sectors. Protesters expressed their discontent with the government’s decision, chanting slogans and vowing to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met and the decision is reversed.

In Gilgit, after the Friday prayers a protest demonstration was organised by the Awami Action Committee Gilgit-Baltistan at Ghari Baag against the increase in the price of wheat. Addressing the protesters, the speakers said the movement had been launched for the rights of the masses.

The AAC also released a charter of demands, emphasising the need for constitutional rights and economic independence for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The demands include the establishment of an empowered constitutional assembly in place of the current powerless one, the immediate restoration of wheat subsidies and other essential commodities provided since 1972, the reversal of the recent hike in wheat prices, the abolition of the oppressive GB Finance Act and its associated taxes, and the declaration of Gilgit-Baltistan as a tax-free zone until the establishment of a constitutional assembly.

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The assembly also called for the intensification of the protest movement until the restoration of the old wheat subsidy rates, the abolition of taxes, and the cancellation of mining leases granted to non-local companies.

In Skardu, the movement has gained momentum, with hundreds participating in sit-ins for the 11th consecutive day. The protests, organised by the Coordination Committee Baltistan, were held at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada, condemning the government’s actions against the public, including the shocking increase in wheat prices, the Finance Act, prolonged electricity load shedding, and other anti-people measures. The gathering of people and leaders from political, social, and religious organisations strongly criticised the government’s oppressive decisions and demanded a reduction in wheat prices.

The protests in Gilgit-Baltistan highlight the region’s growing discontent with economic and political policies, signalling a deepening crisis that calls for immediate attention and resolution by the government.