GILGIT: Protest demonstrations continued across Gilgit-Baltistan on Sunday against subsidised wheat price hike and other grievances, despite hurdles created by the administration to stop protests in Gilgit.

The venue of the protest was cordoned off, with police and law enforcement agencies personnel deployed to stop people from reaching the venue.

The Gilgit administration also imposed Section 144 in the district on Sunday, banning public gathering citing security threats.

Police and law-enforcement agencies personnel were deployed in Ghari Bagh, Gilgit to stop protest demonstrations against subsidised wheat hike and other demands.

The Awami Action Committee (AAC) has been organising daily protest sit-in for three hours in every GB district.

Protesters gathered in Garibagh Gilgit on Sunday and organised the protest sit-in, defying the government ban.

However, no clash took place between law enfor­cement personnel and protesters.

Speaking on the occasion, Awami Action Committee leader Fida Hussain said the people have been organising peaceful protests without any political agenda.

He said the committee has created religious harmony in the region and people belonging to various schools of thought are part of the committee and they are holding the protest jointly.

AAC chief coordinator Advocate Ehsan Ali, speaking to protesters at Garibagh Gilgit, said the peaceful protest would continue till the acceptance of their all demands, including restoration of 2022 wheat subsidy.

He said the demands of the people were not illegal or unconstitutional, and accused the government of not being serious in resolving the issues.

He said the federal government, through the GB government, is imposing such decisions which are unacceptable to the locals.

Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2024