Protesters in Gojal Valley demand
payment of land compensation, action against NHA officials Nov
17, 2016 Pamir Times
Pamir Times is the pioneering
community news and views portal of Gilgit – Baltistan, Kohistan, Chitral and
the surrounding mountain areas. It is a voluntary, not-for-profit,
non-partisan and independent venture initiated by the youth.
Sost: A protest demonstrations and strike is underway in Gojal Valley
today. People from across the valley have reached the border town Sost to stage
a protest demonstration. The road has been blocked in Sost by the protesters.
Banners have been displayed at multiple locations in various
villages. Shops in various areas have been kept shut on the call of the “Action
Committee of KKH Affectees.”
The protesters are demanding payment
of compensation for the land used for expansion of Karakoram Highway. The
protesters accused National Highway Authority (NHA) of “willfully delaying” the
payment of compensation money.
They said that by denying the locals
their legal and due right the NHA is instigating people to protest and go on
strike. They demanded action against NHA’s GM and other officials, accusing
them of not heeding the peoples’ demands.
The protesters were chanting Pakistan
Zindabad, Pak Army Zindabad slogans. They appealed to the Prime
Minister and the Army Chief General Raheel Sharif to address the grievances of
the local farmers and land owners, and ensure that the compensation money is
paid. They said that a large number of youth across the valley want to invest
the compensation money to capitalize from the benefits and opportunities
offered by CPEC.
The protesters have said that the
markets in Sost will remain closed until NHA announces a date for payment of
the compensation money.
It is pertinent to note that so far
not a single penny has been paid to the land owners in Gojal Valley, while
partial payments have been made in other parts of Hunza District, and other
regions.
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