We have seen that no nation raises unnecessary noise or blocks roads by chanting slogans such as "Long Live" or "Death to..." to cause themselves or others discomfort just for the sake of it. Especially the people of Diamer, who are known for their simplicity, peace-loving nature, contentment, and patriotism, mind their own business. They have no idea of using blackmail or hypocrisy to gain financial or political benefits by imposing their matters on others. In our region, we faced floods that destroyed entire settlements, displacing thousands of families. There were earthquakes that caused severe damage, yet not once did we raise our voices in protest or block roads. We simply leave everything to fate. Putting pressure on governments or demanding relief is not part of our culture.
Secondly, here in Diamer, there are various tribes with different thoughts and interests, which makes it difficult to unite on any single issue. However, oppression, injustice, and violations of rights are things that have brought the entire region together. Today, despite all these differences, Diamer stands united for a single agenda: "Rights first, Build Dams" This unity is a reaction to oppression, tyranny, and violation of rights.
Now, what were these acts of oppression? How did such stern people, who traditionally opposed the dam's construction, agree to it? Let's take a look at this in detail.
I remember in 1999, the then Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf arrived at Chilas Airport via two military helicopters. After inaugurating the Chilas Hospital, he was about to leave when his eyes fell on a gathering of people outside the PWD Rest House. The general asked why the people had gathered, and someone replied that they had come to see him. Immediately, General Musharraf ordered the convoy to change direction and made an unscheduled stop at the PWD Rest House, where he addressed the crowd.
At the time, there was fierce opposition to the dam at the local level. Seeing this as an opportunity, General Musharraf said, "Do not oppose the Diamer Dam; this dam will be a blessing for you and your future generations. The construction of this dam will change your lives. Your fortunes will improve, and the state will provide you with so many benefits that your descendants will live without poverty. You will receive reasonable compensation, and your future generations will receive facilities such as free education, free healthcare, and jobs, making them self-sufficient. Just like the victims of Mirpur Dam, you will be able to go abroad, as the state will arrange for you to go overseas annually. Your children will be sent abroad for scholarships to gain knowledge. In addition to reasonable compensation for affected families, residential colonies will be built for you near Islamabad. You will be given a green card that will allow you free healthcare and transportation, and you will be given priority when dealing with government offices. You will be regarded with respect and honor throughout the country, and the Pakistan Army will be your guarantor."
These were the words of General Musharraf, which ended the strong opposition to the dam, paving the way for its construction. While all civilian institutions had failed to convince the public to accept the dam, the people's trust in the army made them support the project.
However, after the army's guarantee, civilian institutions began their usual methods. The household survey was conducted secretly, and the people had no idea that in 2007, some mysterious individuals had surveyed the land and set compensation rates on their behalf. In 2010, it was revealed that the land and property evaluations had already been done. People were shocked to learn that so much had happened without their knowledge. Protests broke out on the streets, and the government, under international pressure, had no choice but to enter into a historic agreement with the people, accepting all their demands. A written agreement was made in which new land rates were set and the household surveys were conducted symbolically. However, some people did not stop their underhand dealings.
WAPDA (Water and Power Development Authority) had hired the notorious Patwari (land record officials) by offering attractive salaries and incentives, training them to exploit the public. The Patwaris, with full loyalty to WAPDA, carried out the first fraud by misrepresenting the size of the land through improper measurement tools, creating false records, and selling land to third parties. They manipulated compensation by undervaluing orchards, crops, and properties. A fruit-bearing walnut tree, for instance, which earned 50,000 annually, was compensated with only 15,000. Houses were valued at five to six lakhs, leaving many affected families under-compensated.
For ten years, the measurements of the properties remained hidden from the public, and when it was revealed, there was confusion and frustration. Once again, the protests started, and under mounting pressure, WAPDA published a list of affected lands, but the manipulation continued. Under the influence of WAPDA, public land was reduced and declared uncultivable, while private compensations were also cut.
Many people, under the influence of local extortionists, were forced to sell their land at a fraction of the compensation value, leaving them deprived of their rightful compensation. Some were tricked into selling their land to moneylenders at high-interest rates, while others fled in search of a better life. During this entire time, WAPDA's role in exploiting the people remained unchecked.
This exploitation continued with the instigation of conflict between different tribal groups over land disputes. Public lands were withheld in courts for years, and the compensation that was supposed to be paid immediately was delayed. Rehabilitation schemes meant to provide financial support for the victims were misused. Land allotments were not made, and victims were denied even the smallest benefits. Some were even erased from the compensation lists, despite still living in the affected areas.
Farmers who lost agricultural land to the dam were promised six kanals of land per family, but now, they are being told that the state is refusing to fulfill this promise. Jobs that were supposed to be provided to the affected families have largely gone to the blackmailers, leaving the real victims stranded.
Now, after 12 years, most victims are bankrupt, and the dam's construction is nearing completion. What will happen to these people when they are told to vacate their settlements? Where will they go? Many have no homes left, and the land they once owned is gone. This is a gross injustice. Protecting citizens from exploitation by moneylenders, bribe-takers, and land-grabbers was the state's responsibility. If the state has failed in this, then who is accountable?
The state must now uphold the dignity of its people, protect their ancestral lands, and facilitate a dignified life. If the government does this, it will be a fair resolution. If not, the victims will have two choices: either take up arms to claim their rights or retreat to the forests and mountains, living like nomads, telling stories of their ancestors' indulgence under the moonlight, only to disappear again into the wilderness.
Written by Aslam Chilasi
Edited by Zaara Kashmiri
