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Thousands March on Karakoram Highway: Budhlas and Chalt Demand Release of Gilgit-Baltistan Detainees
Special Correspondent | Gilgit-Baltistan: Nagar — In a rare and powerful display of civil resistance, thousands of residents — men, women, children, and the elderly — from Budhlas and Chalt villages of Nagar district have begun a long march toward Gilgit, blocking the Karakoram Highway (KKH) at Harispo to demand the release of political prisoners associated with the Awami Action Committee Gilgit-Baltistan.
Carrying banners and chanting slogans, the protesters called for the immediate release of prominent activist Ehsan Advocate and dozens of others who have been detained over recent months for their involvement in protests demanding fundamental rights and self-determination for the region.
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“We don’t accept the imposed narratives of India or Pakistan — our struggle is for dignity, justice, and the right to self-determination,” said one of the protesters, speaking to Azadi Times.
The march, which began early in the morning, drew significant participation from women — a striking feature in the deeply conservative region — with mothers, sisters, and daughters walking alongside men. Witnesses reported that traffic on parts of the KKH came to a standstill as the crowds moved forward.
The Awami Action Committee has emerged as a grassroots movement in Gilgit-Baltistan, much like its counterparts in Azad Jammu & Kashmir, advocating for local autonomy, protection of natural resources, and an end to what it describes as “systematic political suppression.”
Critics accuse the authorities of cracking down on activists to silence dissenting voices. Human rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns over the arrests, warning that suppressing peaceful protests risks further alienating the local population.
A statement from the Awami Action Committee released late last night called the detentions “illegal and politically motivated,” and vowed to continue the peaceful struggle.
A Region in Flux
Gilgit-Baltistan, which lies at the heart of the disputed Kashmir region, has long lived in a constitutional limbo — claimed by Pakistan but without the full rights accorded to its citizens. The people here say their voices remain marginalized despite being on the frontline of geopolitics.
Protesters insist their movement is not about aligning with either India or Pakistan but about asserting their own agency.
“We want the world to know: our struggle is indigenous and peaceful. We are Hussaini — we stand for truth and against oppression,” one young activist declared, referencing a popular slogan from the demonstration.
As night fell, the marchers vowed to camp along the highway until their demands are met. Authorities have so far refrained from using force, though tensions remain high.
For many here, today’s events are not just about the release of prisoners but about reclaiming dignity and asserting their right to determine their own future.
Reporting by The Azadi Times Bureau — Gilgit-Baltistan
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