The declaration of State Land deprived Gilgit Baltistan People from their Owned Land

A few days ago, the Chief Court of Gilgit-Baltistan in one of its decision has declared Sarfa Ranga (Cold Desert) Shigar Skardu as state land. This decision is the biggest development so far on the terme” Khalsa Sarkar” in Gilgit Baltistan. The government declared this publicly owned grazing land as Khalsa Sarkar and allotted few kanals land to the refugees in 1997. Sarfa Ranga is a test case for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, if the court decision implemented at Sarfa Ranga it will become a precedent for whole Gilgit Baltsitan . The Gilgit Baltistan people will be deprived of their owned lands. The Khalsa Sarkar is used in revenue for grazing yard, forest, agriculture land, Shamilat etc. Gilgit-Baltistan is a disputed region. The state of this region is yet to be not determined. In such a situation, the state subject rules of the State of Jammu and Kashmir are in force in the region up to the peaceful settlement of Kashmir dispute. This court decision will lead to change the demography of the region it will sabotage the principle stance on Kashmir dispute. Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement considers that Sarfa Ranga is the property of its residents and inhabitants since thousand years .How a court decision can change the real ownership of indigenous people on Sarfa Ranga . We appeal the honorable court to set aside her decision in long interest of the residents of Gilgit Baltistan. GBUM is stand with the people of Shigar Skardu and support their demands. Issued Gilgit Baltistan United Movement