Protests in Shigar Over Sarfaranga Cold Desert Land Dispute
The Shigar district in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan is witnessing ongoing protests as residents oppose a court ruling that declared the Sarfaranga Cold Desert as state land. This protest has been ongoing for a month, with locals asserting their historical rights to the land, which is one of the highest cold deserts in the world.
The court’s decision on September 19 led to strong opposition from the community. Protesters have been vocal about their demand for justice, highlighting the challenges they have faced. One protester expressed, “In Sarfaranga, we have faced significant challenges for over a month. An attack on our land and homes has been carried out by the administration, which is attempting to seize control of this area.”
Residents, including descendants of those displaced during the wars of 1947 and 1971, have been contesting ownership claims for decades. The situation intensified when authorities deployed a heavy police presence to enforce the ruling, leading to the demolition of structures built by locals on September 23. This action has only strengthened the community’s resolve to resist.
In response to the demolitions, residents established a protest camp in the Sarfaranga desert, receiving widespread support from the region. Women, children, and men have united to demand the reversal of the court’s decision, demonstrating their commitment to defending their rights.
Another protester criticized the authorities, stating, “Who should we turn to with our complaints? We reached out to our government and high command before this incident occurred, requesting that if they could not come themselves, they should send two or three government officials to intervene and help resolve the conflict. However, they denied our request, stating that it was not their responsibility.”
Doubts Revealed
Shigar -: Shigar is a place in the region of Gilgit-Baltistan, which is currently administered by Pakistan. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and historical sites.
Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan -: Gilgit-Baltistan is a region that is part of the larger Kashmir area, which is disputed between India and Pakistan. Pakistan administers this region, but India also claims it as part of its territory.
Sarfaranga Cold Desert -: The Sarfaranga Cold Desert is a unique desert located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Unlike hot deserts, it has cold temperatures and is known for its stunning sand dunes.
State land -: State land refers to land that is owned and managed by the government, rather than by private individuals or communities.
Court ruling -: A court ruling is a decision made by a judge or a court of law. In this case, the court decided that the Sarfaranga Cold Desert belongs to the state.
Demolition -: Demolition means tearing down or destroying buildings or structures. In this context, it refers to the removal of local structures by the police.
Displaced -: Displaced means being forced to leave one’s home, often due to conflict or natural disasters. Here, it refers to people who had to leave their homes because of past wars.
