SKARDU, Jan 15: The left-wing nationalist parties of Gilgit-Baltistan have formed an alliance aimed at launching a joint struggle against what they said was the bureaucratic colonial role.

They also demanded withdrawal of Pakistani troops from Gilgit-Baltistan as well as Indian troops from Laddakh and Kargil and establishment of two autonomous regions on both sides of the Line of Control.

They criticised Gilgit-Baltistan National Alliance (GBNA) for toeing the establishment’s line.

They said that it was sabotaging the democratic struggle of the two million people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Ghulam Shehzad Agha has been elected convener of the newly constituted Gilgit-Baltistan United Alliance (GBUA), comprising Boloristan Labour Party, Baltistan United Movement, Balawaristan National Front, Karakoram National Movement, and Baltistan Students Federation.

The announcement was made at a recent meeting of the representatives of the parties.

Addressing the meeting, Manzoor Hussain Parwana, chairman of the Gilgit–Baltistan United Movement stressed the need for greater understanding and unity among the nationalist and progressive parties.

Stressing the need for countering what he termed conspiracies ‘in our region’, he said that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan had been deprived of political and constitutional rights.