While the nation is mired in an economic and political crisis, the situation in Giligit-Baltistan is brimming and could get out of control. Yet, the regional and federal government has maintained there is complete peace and no signs of violence.
Since the past few weeks, there have been protests and road closures in the northern areas. These protests threaten to spill over into a wider sectarian conflict if not contained. Section 144 has been imposed and all public gatherings have been banned, mobile networks have been suspended and the internet has been downgraded. Still, the situation remains fragile.
There were reports that the army has been summoned over the volatile situation. The GB Home department denied speculations over the army’s deployment and maintained that the forces were called in for security on Chelum. Nevertheless, this doesn’t negate the fact that the situation is volatile and could get out of control.
The current crisis erupted after protests were held in Chilas calling for the arrest of a religious leader in Skardu. A case was registered but there were further protests which brought the entire region to the brink of sectarian violence. Without realizing the power dynamics, the previous government passed a law aimed at increasing punishment of up to life imprisonment for those disrespecting the Companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The law is been used to settle scores between sectarian groups in the region.
Sectarian violence has a long history in Gilgit-Baltitistan which remains a Shia-majority region. This increased in the 1980s when the region opened after the opening of the Karakorum highway, making it vulnerable to spillover of conflicts and becoming a target for hardliners. The first serious sectarian conflict erupted in 1983. Over 400 people, mostly Shias, were killed in subsequent years. In 2012, there was fear and panic after a spate of target killings on the route to Islamabad. In those days, mobile phones were suspended for several months in the area.
The government needs to take measures to ensure peace in the region rather than downplaying the situation. A peaceful Gilgit-Baltisitan is essential for regional stability and development. This is also sending a negative message abroad, particularly in India, which has been showing the protest as a rebellion. It is imperative to take action against unscrupulous elements spreading hate and fomenting sectarianism in the region.
