Gilgit Locals Protest Over Long-Delayed Compensation for Airport Land

Residents of Gilgit City in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan held a protest near Gilgit airport, demanding long-pending compensation for land taken in 1948 for the airport's construction. The protesters threatened to suspend airport operations if their demands aren't met, citing multiple unheeded decisions in their favor.

Residents of Gilgit City in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan held a protest on Friday near the Gilgit airport, demanding compensation for land they contributed in 1948 for the airport's construction, Pamir Times reported.

Protesters emphasized that despite over a dozen favorable decisions, the government remains inactive on resolving the issue. They also threatened to suspend airport operations if their demands aren't met and criticized local officials for failing to forward compensation requests to higher authorities.

A local leader stated that more than 128 families sacrificed their lands in 1948, and subsequent promises made in 1986 were also broken. Protesters warned of escalating their actions if the government continues to ignore their demands.

(With inputs from agencies.)