February 7, 2006	Tuesday	Muharram 8, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 6: The Gilgit-Baltistan National Alliance on Monday warned of a protest movement against the government if its reservations about the construction of Bhasha dam were not addressed.

Speaking at a press conference, the alliance representatives complained that they were not taken into confidence on the project. They also demanded immediate release of those arrested during a protest demonstration on February 2.

Alliance chairman Inayatullah Shumali said the Northern Areas is a disputed region and on the agenda of the United Nations.

“It is not part of Pakistan and construction of such a mega project there without taking the people into confidence is illegal,” said Hanifur Rehman Muqaddam, secretary-general of the alliance. He complained that they had no representation in the National Assembly and Senate, adding it was difficult for them to apprise the authorities of their concerns regarding the dam or any other issue.

Without clearly describing their reservations, the alliance representatives expressed the fear that the royalty of the dam would be given to the NWFP. They said these concerns would be conveyed to the president if they are invited for a meeting.

When pressed, they said the dam would affect 32 villages having a population of about 80,000.

Mr Shumali said their concerns/demands were not aimed at politicising the issue nor were these based on nationalist tendencies. “We are struggling only for our rights,” he said.