Protests Erupt in Gilgit-Baltistan Following Arrest of Awami Action Committee Leaders

Protests Erupt in Response to Arrests

On Thursday, tensions escalated in Gilgit-Baltistan as significant protests erupted after the detention of five prominent figures from the Gilgit-Baltistan Awami Action Committee (ACC), including their chairman, Ehsan Ali Advocate.

The arrests, occurring just days ahead of a crucial Grand Jirga set for May 26, ignited outrage among supporters who perceived this as a blatant effort to stifle advocates for regional rights.

Reports indicate that demonstrations took place in Gilgit, Skardu, and Aliabad in Hunza, where large crowds gathered, chanting slogans and displaying banners that called for justice. Many protestors obstructed the Karakoram Highway, a vital route for the area, insisting they would not relent until their leaders were released.

The Grand Jirga was anticipated to tackle long-standing issues regarding the ownership and management of natural resources in the region, a matter of deep significance for the residents of GB.

The detained leaders—Ehsan Ali Advocate, Engineer Mahboob Wali, Masoodul Rehman, Asghar Shah, and Waheed Hassan—were reportedly apprehended from various locations in Gilgit on Wednesday evening. They were subsequently presented before an anti-terrorism court the following day, which granted authorities a 14-day physical remand. Currently, they are being held at the Airport Police Station.

According to reports, the arrests were executed under anti-terrorism legislation, citing alleged hate speech and anti-state activities amid recent tensions at the Pakistan-India border. A total of 16 ACC leaders are mentioned in the FIR and have been detained. The ACC has condemned these arrests, labeling them a political maneuver aimed at undermining the jirga and quelling increasing calls for local autonomy. Civil society members and rights advocates are expressing concerns about a potential crackdown on peaceful political dissent in the region.