The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have shown their strength and unity by staging massive protests against the government’s decision to hike the wheat prices in the region. After weeks of demonstrations, sit-ins, and long marches, the government has finally agreed to lower the wheat prices and provide subsidies to the people.
The protests started on December 22, 2023, when the government of Gilgit-Baltistan announced that the price of wheat would be increased from Rs20 per kg to Rs36 per kg, following the federal government’s proposal to raise the wheat price from Rs2,100 to Rs5,200 per 100kg bag. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan, who are already facing economic hardships and political marginalization, rejected the government’s decision and demanded the restoration of the old wheat prices.
The protests were organized by the Awami Action Committee, a coalition of regional political, religious, and local parties, as well as civil society organizations, labor unions, and representatives of the travel and tourism industries. The protesters gathered in various towns and cities of Gilgit-Baltistan, such as Skardu, Chillas, Gilgit, Hunza, Nagar, Astore, Ghanche, Ghizer, Shigar, and Kharmang, and raised slogans against the government. Some of the protesters also marched from the Siachen border to Skardu and Gilgit, braving the harsh weather and terrain.
The government initially tried to ignore the protests and justify the price hike, but soon realized that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan were not going to back down. The government then entered into negotiations with the Awami Action Committee and agreed to reduce the wheat price to Rs25 per kg and provide subsidies on 28 essential items. The government also promised to repeal the Finance Act 2023, which had imposed taxes on the people of Gilgit-Baltistan without their consent.
The Awami Action Committee welcomed the government’s decision and called off the protests on January 29, 2024. The committee thanked the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for their resilience and solidarity, and urged them to remain vigilant and united for their rights and dignity.
The Gilgit-Baltistan protests have shown that the people of the region are not willing to accept any injustice or exploitation from the government. They have also shown that they are capable of building a strong and prosperous nation, if given the opportunity and autonomy. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan deserve praise and admiration for their courage and determination.