SKARDU, Sept 9: The displaced people of 1948 and 1971 from Kargil and Ladakh took out a protest rally here the other day against the authorities for not including the issue of reopening two important roads in the agenda of Pakistan and Indian foreign ministers’ peace dialogue.
Thousands of refugees belonging to Chulunkha, Toortuk, Tiaqshi, Dowey Thang, and Kargil marched from Yadgar-i-Shuhada Skardu to the press club, demanding restoration of Skardu-Kargil and Khaplu-Ladakh roads.
Addressing the protesters in front of the press club, Mohammad Khan, president of the body representing the 1971 refugees, said the displaced people of Kargil and Ladakh were waiting to meet their parted families for the last 63 years. The governments of Pakistan and India have opened routes on 11 points in Kashmir giving the parted families chance to reunite with their relatives, but the poor refugees of Kargil and Ladakh were still deprived of this facility.
Imran Nadeem, former Gilgit-Baltistan tourism advisor and leader of PPP, said the refugees of Kargil and Ladakh were loyal to Pakistan, which has been proved by them on each occasion, but some people have a misconception about them, which should be removed.
“When the people of GB talk about constitution and fundamental rights, GB is termed a disputed territory, but on the other hand families of Kashmir, which is a disputed territory, not only get chance of reunion but are also provided all basic rights,” he said.
Abdullah Haidery, general secretary of PPP Skardu district, said Khaplu-Ladakh and Skardu-Kargil roads have always been part of the agenda of PPP, but unfortunately it could not be moved further after Mumbai attacks. “But I am sure that these two roads will be reopened during the tenure of the PPP government,” he assured.
RAIN, SNOWFALL: Intermittent rain continued in Baltistan division for the third consecutive day on Sunday turning the weather chilly. Reports said upper mountainous areas like Concordia, Baltoro, Deosai, Shila and Katisho also received snowfall.