By: Lt Col JS Sodhi (Retd), Editor, GSDN

Nestled between the Himalayas and the Karakoram, Gilgit-Baltistan is a region of breathtaking beauty and strategic importance. Yet, this gem of South Asia has endured over seven decades of suffering and atrocities under Pakistani occupation. Since 1947, the people of Gilgit Baltistan have faced political disenfranchisement, demographic manipulation, sectarian violence, economic exploitation, and cultural suppression, all while their plight remains largely ignored by the international community.

A Legacy of Oppression

Gilgit-Baltistan, initially part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, was occupied by Pakistan during the chaos of partition. Despite its significance, the region has never been granted constitutional recognition or associated rights. Instead, it has been administered as a colonial territory, with Islamabad imposing its will on the local population. The imposition of the Gilgit-Baltistan Orders of 2009 and 2018 centralized power in Islamabad, stripping the region’s elected assembly of any real authority and further entrenching its dependence on federal oversight.

Sectarian Strife and Demographic Manipulation

One of the most egregious aspects of Pakistan’s rule has been its deliberate efforts to alter the region’s demographic and sectarian landscape. Historically, Gilgit-Baltistan has been home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups and sectarian communities, including Shia Muslims, Ismailis, and Noor Bakshis. However, since the 1970s, Pakistani authorities have encouraged Sunni migration, aiming to dilute the Shia majority’s influence. This policy, initiated under Zia ul Haq, has led to increased sectarian tensions and violence, with notable massacres in 1988, 1990, and subsequent years.

Economic Exploitation

The region’s vast natural resources and strategic location have been exploited for the benefit of Pakistan and its allies, particularly China. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), announced in 2013, has brought extensive infrastructure projects to Gilgit Baltistan, but these have primarily served external interests. The 2018 Gilgit-Baltistan Order ensured that control over critical infrastructure remained with the central government, depriving the region of economic autonomy and increasing its financial dependence on Islamabad. Land acquisition for CPEC projects has often been conducted without adequate compensation or consultation, leading to widespread discontent and displacement.

Cultural Suppression and Human Rights Violations

The Pakistani state has systematically sought to erode Gilgit-Baltistan’s unique cultural identity through policies that undermine local languages, traditions, and practices. Reports of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings targeting activists and dissenters are rampant. The lack of independent media and the suppression of freedom of expression have further silenced the voices of the people.

A Growing Call for Reunification with India

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in protests by the locals of Gilgit-Baltistan. Since 2022, more than 100 protests were reported across the region, with thousands of locals participating. These demonstrations have been fueled by grievances over land rights, economic exploitation, and the lack of political representation. A growing number of locals are calling for reunification with India, disillusioned by decades of neglect and oppression under Pakistani rule. A survey conducted in late 2022 revealed that approximately 40% of respondents in Gilgit-Baltistan expressed a desire to join India, citing better governance and historical ties.

A Call to Action

The story of Gilgit-Baltistan is one of resilience amidst adversity. For over seven decades, its people have endured unimaginable hardships under Pakistani occupation. It is high time for the international community to recognize the suffering of the people of Gilgit Baltistan and support their struggle for self-determination and human rights. By bringing attention to their plight, we can help bring an end to their suffering and pave the way for a brighter, more just future for Gilgit-Baltistan.

India, too, must engage with the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and nationalist groups seeking moral support. By reaching out, India can garner more support for Gilgit Baltistan’s reunification, a sentiment that is gaining momentum despite Pakistan’s suppression. Additionally, New Delhi should work to draw international attention to the atrocities in Gilgit-Baltistan. Highlighting these issues will give a voice to the region’s people and draw attention to the broader Kashmir issue, which has been neglected by the international community for too long.

The world cannot remain silent while the people of Gilgit-Baltistan continue to suffer. It is time to stand with them, to acknowledge their struggles, and to support their quest for justice and self-determination.