Negotiations Fail, Long March Announced: Diamer Bhasha Dam Affected Communities Demand Justice

Chilas, February 25, 2025 – Talks between the government and representatives of the Diamer Bhasha Dam affected communities ended without resolution on Sunday, prompting the affected communities to announce a long march towards Chilas. The decision came after a high-level meeting between Federal Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs, Amir Muqam, and the protest committee failed to reach an agreement.

Federal Minister Amir Muqam arrived in Chilas on Sunday to negotiate with the affected communities, accompanied by federal secretaries and WAPDA officials. He was warmly welcomed by Provincial Minister for Agriculture Engineer Muhammad Anwar and Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly member Iqbal Naseer, who presented him with traditional gifts. The negotiations, held at the Chilas University Campus, were attended by Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, provincial ministers, and administrative officials.

During the talks, the affected communities presented a list of 31 demands, which they claim have widespread public support. However, Federal Minister Amir Muqam stated that while the demands were legitimate, he did not have the authority to address them unilaterally. He urged the protesters to form a small committee and temporarily end their sit-in, promising further discussions to resolve their grievances.

Amir Muqam emphasized the government’s commitment to the development of Gilgit-Baltistan, highlighting a 30% increase in allocated funds compared to the previous year. He also mentioned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s announcement of Danish Schools, set to be inaugurated after Eid.

However, the affected communities rejected the minister’s assurances. Maulana Hazratullah, the chief patron of the Dam Affected Committee, read out the 31 demands and expressed disappointment over the government’s refusal to accept even a single demand. “The people stand firmly behind these 31 points, and we demand a written agreement and implementation. But unfortunately, the government is not ready to accept any of our demands,” he said.

Frustrated by the lack of progress, protesters began chanting slogans against WAPDA and the government, forcing the federal minister to leave the venue without having lunch. Following his departure, thousands of protesters marched from the university campus to the sit-in site, where a large rally was held. The crowd chanted slogans against the federal minister, the provincial government, the Deputy Commissioner of Diamer, and the Commissioner of Diamer.

Addressing the rally, Maulana Hazratullah, Maulana Abdul Malik, Maulana Aftab, Maulana Najeeb, and other leaders called on the people of Baltistan, Gilgit, and Nagar to join the long march towards Chilas. They urged residents of all valleys in Diamer to pack their belongings and head to Chilas, declaring the start of a decisive phase in their struggle.

“These people do not listen to reason. Now, we will take our rights by force. When all of Gilgit-Baltistan gathers in Chilas, their hearts will tremble. They will have no choice but to give us what we deserve,” Maulana Hazratullah declared.

The protestors have vowed to continue their sit-in and escalate their movement until their demands are met. The call for a long march has galvanized support across the region, with thousands expected to join the movement in the coming days.

The Diamer Bhasha Dam, a mega-development project, has displaced thousands of families, leading to widespread discontent over inadequate compensation and resettlement. The affected communities are demanding fair compensation, land ownership rights, and improved infrastructure, among other grievances.

As tensions rise, the government faces mounting pressure to address the concerns of the affected communities and prevent further escalation of the crisis.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.