Pakistan: Protest planned against Army over land grabbing

Story by  ATV | Posted by  Nakul Shivani • 1 Years ago
Pak army patrolling close to Afghan border
Pak army patrolling close to Afghan border

 

Islamabad

The locals in Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan are planning to hold a protest against the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) and Pakistan army on the occasion of the Baba Ghundi festival against forceful land grabbing near the Chiporsun valley.

Baba Ghundi festival, slated to take place on July 21-23, is celebrated by the locals of Hunza and the Wakhi tribe of Afghanistan every year at the shrine of Baba Ghundi at the Wakhan Corridor along the Pak-Afghan border.

Besides the Hunza natives, a large number of people from Afghanistan's Wakhan region also attend the festival.

The Wakhan corridor is an ancient route used by the local tribes and natives for trade and business activities. Therefore, the festival holds huge economic importance for the local people.

Due to its historical and strategic significance, Pakistan army have reportedly started forceful acquisition of land from the local people.

The FWO has already seized control of one village near the Wakhan corridor and locals fear more such acquisitions.

The land is very favourable for mining. It is alleged that the FWO in connivance with the army is facilitating illegal mining in the area.

The locals fear that the Pak army will take the whole Chiporsun valley under its control.