Protests in Gilgit Baltistan Over Military Operation and Killing of Local Man
The people living in the Darel region of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB) are upset about a recent military operation and the death of a local man named Shah Faisal. He was accused of being involved in a bus attack that killed nine passengers. However, the locals believe that the same army now conducting the operation had previously supported these terrorists, causing fear among the residents.
Protests Outside Gilgit Press Club
A protest took place outside the Gilgit Press Club where people argued that the military operation was not just about security but also about controlling valuable minerals in the area. This has disturbed the peace in the region. In a video shared on social media, a man surrounded by others holding placards expressed strong dissatisfaction over the military operation.
The man said, “These military operations are harming us without any benefits. Instead of peacefully apprehending criminals, the army resorted to gunfire. You (Pakistan) intend to disrupt our peaceful region. We simply want to live in peace. It is you (Pakistan) who seek to create chaos, fueled by dollars from America to conduct bombardments similar to those in Balochistan and FATA. Your focus is on our resources. People will unite against this oppression, and oppressed people will stand in solidarity with us.”
Concerns Over Human Rights
Shah Faisal, identified as a terrorist commander, was killed in an intelligence-led security operation in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Darel district. His associate Zahidullah was injured in the operation, which involved prolonged gunfire and escalated tensions in the district. Shah Faisal was reportedly responsible for a bus attack in Chilas last December, resulting in the deaths of eight people and injuring 18 others.
Pakistan recently launched “Operation Azm-i-Istehkam” in response to escalating terrorist activities. Despite previous operations, persistent terrorist threats continue to challenge Pakistan’s security, casting doubt on the operation’s effectiveness. Additionally, Pakistan’s military operations frequently face allegations of human rights abuses, including excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, disappearances, and mistreatment of civilians in conflict zones such as Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and areas affected by insurgency. These allegations are often documented by human rights organisations and international observers, prompting concerns about the protection of civil liberties and adherence to international humanitarian law.
