Anti-people mining law: G-B government warned of protests

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) chapter of the Labour Party Boloristan (LPB) has sought legislation on mining in the mountain region to protect the rights of the people.

“All natural resources, including minerals, found in the mountains of G-B are the sole property of the people,” said a statement issued by the party chief Advocate Ehsan Ali here on Tuesday.

The LPB asked the government to frame a law according to the wishes of  the people.

“The government has no right to deprive the people of G-B of their wealth,” he said.

The LPB leader questioned the policy adopted by the past governments on issuing licences to non-local companies for exploration and extraction of gemstones and said, “We will not let it happen now.”

Earlier this month, news of the G-B assembly’s plans to legislate on mineral and gemstone mining in G-B triggered a heated debate that still continues in various forums.

These resources belong to the local people and they are the sole custodians of these. The legislation should be according to what we want, Ali said, warning if the legislation did not reflect local people’s wishes, his party would bring people onto the streets. “The government will be responsible for any eventuality,” he warned.

When contacted for a comment, Regional Finance Minister Mohammad Ali Akhtar dispelled the impression that the government is making any legislation that could hurt the interest of the people. “How is it possible? We are elected representatives, not enemies of the public,” he remarked.

It is the responsibility of the elected representatives to legislate on such issues. “Therefore, no question arises of alienating people while making laws,” he reassured. He said that whatever is done will be in the best interest of the people and
the region.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 16^th, 2011.