HUNZA, July 21: Leaders of nationalist and progressive parties as well as civil society activists at a public meeting have called upon the people of Gilgit-Baltistan to fight unitedly for their basic human, democratic and constitutional rights.

Hundreds of people and leaders from six districts of the region and Azad Kashmir participated in the meeting organised by Gilgit-Baltistan Democratic Alliance (GBDA), a conglomerate of nationalist and left wing political parties and groups in Aliabad on Sunday.

A common strain in the speeches made on the occasion was that the people of the region had freed their land and acceded to Pakistan unconditionally in 1947 but they continue to suffer from an identity crisis because the region’s constitutional status has not been determined even after 60 years.

The speakers were unison in their demands from the Pakistan Government to define the constitutional status of Gilgit-Baltistan and seeking self-rule for the region.

The speakers also demanded opening of the Skardu-Kargil, Astor-Sri Nagar, Ghizer/Hunza-Tajikistan roads to revive the historical, cultural and economic ties between the communities living on both sides of these border areas.

They criticised the government for neglecting the area and demanded special funds for Gilgit-Baltistan by declaring it least-developed region.

Condemned the terrorist act recently in Gilgit city, they termed it part of the international conspiracies to destroy peace in Gilgit-Baltistan. They urged the people to forge unity in their ranks and foil such conspiracies.

Expressing concern over awarding more than 50 leases of mining to influential non-local people, the speakers demanded their cancellation. They also called for setting up industrial units by harnessing the regions natural resources to provide jobs to the unemployed youth of the region.

The speakers demanded compensation for the people affected by the Karakuram Highway expansion according to international standard.

They regretted that the region despite having great potential of hydro power generation is facing severe power shortage and demanded construction of small dams on Hunza River to generate electricity.

The speakers criticised the role of the Chief Executive, Northern Areas Ghazanfar Ali Khan and his family members for creating problems for the elected Board of Trustees of Sost Dry Port Trust.

The speakers demanded an independent investigation into the massive irregularities in the Dry Port Trust, Khizerabad to Sikandarabad bridge and water supply scheme for central Hunza.

Those who spoke on the occasion were: Prof M.A.R.K Khalique, spokesman for the All Parties National Alliance, Arif Shahid, general secretary; Advocate Ehsan Ali, chairman Labour Party Boloristan; Ghulam Shahzad Agha, chairman, GBDA; Engineer Amanullah Khan, senior vice-president, GBDA; Advocate Mohammad Iqbal, chairman Karakuram National Movement; Mumtaz Nagri, vice-president, GBDA; Engineer Manzoor Parwana, Chairman, Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement (GBUM); Shafqat Inquilabi; Ikramullah Baig and Sultan Madad, Bolor Research Forum; Hoor Shah, senior vice-chairman, Sost Dry Port Trust, Burhan Shah, director, SDPT; Ghulam Mohammad, Haji Rehmat Ali and Jan Alam, representatives of KKH affected people from Nagar and Hunza and Baba Jan, chief organiser Progressive Youth Front.