 |
| Protesters in Diamer demand rights before the construction of Diamer-Bhasha Dam. |
The people of Diamer are once again on the streets, raising their voices, asking the state questions, and facing the same old promises, the same old reassurances, and the same old betrayals. The question is: Why are these protests happening? Why are the youth, elders, and women of Diamer expressing their grievances against the state of Pakistan?
Broken Promises and Deprivation
In conversations with some young protesters, their faces reflected anger, their voices carried helplessness, and their words echoed a single sentiment: the state of Pakistan has deceived them. They believe that the state has only used them as a resource—taking their lands and exploiting their natural wealth—while continuously depriving them of their fundamental human rights.
When asked about these fundamental rights, one young protester responded bluntly:
"Our region is the only colony in the world where the state of Pakistan has maintained a colonial grip. We have no access to basic necessities such as clean drinking water, electricity, healthcare, and education. And if we demand our rights, we are labeled as terrorists and placed under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) Schedule Four."
This means that not only are their rights being violated, but anyone who dares to raise their voice is subjected to state oppression.
Why the 'Rights First, Then Build the Dam' Movement?
The issue of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam is not new, but why do the people continue to protest? One young protester explained:
"Everywhere in the world where dams are built, governments first negotiate with the local communities, ensuring their rights and providing them with compensations and benefits. However, Pakistan has a history of violating agreements made with the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, a region already in a disputed status. Many written agreements were made with the people of Diamer, but they were never implemented. Every time the people protest, a new agreement is made to silence them, only to be discarded later."
State Repression and Forced Displacement
The people of Diamer believe that Pakistan has turned Gilgit-Baltistan into a colony and does not want its inhabitants to be empowered, developed, or prosperous. That is why the agreements remain unfulfilled.
Another protester expressed his concerns in strong words:
"An Israeli-style occupation policy is being imposed here. Lands are being forcibly seized, protesters are being imprisoned, and people are being displaced from their ancestral homes without any support. If this is not a conspiracy to turn this region into another Palestine, then what is it?"
This Fight is Not Just for Diamer, But for All of Gilgit-Baltistan
This is not just the struggle of the people of Diamer but of the entire Gilgit-Baltistan region. If the people of Diamer remain silent today, tomorrow, this oppression will spread to other areas. The slogan 'Rights First, Then Build the Dam' is not just a movement; it is a legal and moral battle for their rights that the people of Diamer are presenting to the state of Pakistan.
A Call for Policy Re-evaluation
It is time for the state to reassess its policies. Does Pakistan genuinely want to develop Gilgit-Baltistan, or will it remain under an oppressive colonial grip forever? If Pakistan truly wishes to be a strong and united nation, it must fulfill its promises and grant the people of Diamer their rights. Because the people of Diamer are not asking for mere promises—they demand justice!
Written By: Yawar Abbas
Edited By: Zaara Kashmiri
