As the protest regarding a 31-point charter of demands entered its 18th day, individuals affected by the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project took action by shutting down the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) offices and halting operations of a private contractor at the dam site, according to local media outlet Hum English.
The demonstrators urged contractors at the site to cease their activities.
Maulana Hazratullah, leader of the Huqooq Do Dam Banao Tehreek, remarked that despite previous warnings, private contractors persisted with their work and even terminated 10 to 15 local employees.
Hazratullah condemned WAPDA for what he described as a systematic violation of the rights of local residents. "Today, we are locking up their luxuries in response," he stated. "The lock will remain until our demands are met. Should our issues continue to be overlooked, we will render this land uninhabitable for WAPDA," he cautioned.
During a press conference, Hazratullah accused the government of failing to take the protest seriously. He highlighted that, despite multiple assurances, the authorities had not engaged in substantial negotiations. He noted that the government had initially supported the establishment of a negotiation team with promises of a high-level ministerial committee to facilitate discussions. However, after the team details were submitted, there had been no significant advancements with WAPDA or the government.
"We have sacrificed everything for this project, including our cemeteries and mosques, yet the people of Diamer are left to suffer in the cold during Ramadan while the authorities remain apathetic," Hazratullah expressed. He further conveyed his discontent that while government officials enjoyed comfort in Islamabad, the protesters faced harsh weather conditions and broke their fasts on the streets, as reported by Hum English.
Hazratullah urged the residents of Diamer to brace for a more robust response, cautioning that if the current issues remained unresolved, they would resort to more severe actions. Although the protesters had temporarily halted their activities, the ongoing lack of progress would compel them to escalate their efforts, potentially resulting in a widespread movement. He insisted on an immediate suspension of WAPDA's operations and those of its consultants until their 31-point list of demands was comprehensively addressed.
The people of PoGB have consistently voiced their grievances through protests, highlighting a variety of concerns, including social, economic, and political issues, as they advocate for justice, equality, and improved living conditions.
