CHILAS: A sit-in by Diamer Bhasha Dam affectees entered the second day on Monday, with Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Gulbar Khan criticizing the Wapda for its inaction regarding compensation and rehabilitation promises.
“For 12 years, the people of Diamer have been waiting for justice, yet the Wapda has continuously failed to deliver on its commitments, leading to frustration and protests,” the CM said during an online meeting chaired by Minister for Kashmir Affairs and GB Amir Muqam, in Islamabad.
Earlier, in Chilas, a 40-member council representing the dam affectees urged the prime minister to form a ministerial committee with full authority to directly address their grievances.The movement “Haqooq Do, Dam Banao” extended its original two-day deadline for the formation of the committee, warning that “Plan B” would be announced if the deadline was not met.
Protesters have begun setting up additional tents in anticipation of a prolonged sit-in. One of the protesters, Taifoor Khan from the PPP, said: “We sacrificed our land and homes for this dam, yet we continue to suffer. If the government does not act now, we will be forced to escalate our protests.”
The online meeting, which also included the Wapda Chairman, the chief secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan and other officials, saw CM Khan reiterate his frustration over the lack of progress. He highlighted that although the Terms of Reference for compensating the “Missing Chulha” affectees had been finalized, no payments had been made.
Amir assured that the government acknowledged the sacrifices made by the affectees and was committed to resolving their issues. He instructed the Wapda chairman to expedite compensation payments and confidence building measures (CBMs).
He also confirmed that following the prime minister’s directive, a high-level committee would visit Gilgit-Baltistan within two days. The committee will meet the affectees, review their demands and make firm decisions to address their concerns.
Speakers at the rally stressed while the people of Diamer had made significant sacrifices for the dam’s construction in the national interest, they were expecting their due favour from the government. “We want more employment opportunities to the local community, instead of other cities,” they said.
The protesters demanded the immediate release of the Household Resettlement Package (Chulha Package) for those yet to receive it and urged authorities to pay full compensation for their lands without further delay.
During the demonstration, a 31-point Charter of Demands was presented, with speakers reiterating that they were not opposing the dam’s construction but merely seeking their rightful compensation and benefits.
The protest rally also saw participants taking an oath to remain united and continue their struggle until their demands are met.
