PT Correspondent
Islamabad, April 6: Representatives of a large number of political parties met two days back in Islamabad at the Gilgit-Baltistan house to discuss various options for the future of the constitutionally deprived region.
After thorough deliberations, the parties decided to sign a charter of agreement called the “Misaq-e-GilgitBaltistan”. The Misaq, agreement, seeks to present a consensus voice for resolving the six decades long constitutional limbo in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.
Three clauses of the Misaq were:
- Complete constitutional status for the Gilgit-Baltistan region demanded
- Use the natural and other resources for regional development, the govt was urged
- Revival of the state-subject rule in the Gilgit-Baltistan region was demanded
Some experts are of the view that the demand for complete constitutional rights cannot go along with the demands for revival of the state-subject rule.
It is pertinent to note that a lot of progress has been made on the front of establishing consensus among the various political groups in the region on a future governance model that helps reduce the feelings of alienation and subjugation currently prevailing in the Gilgit-Blatistan region.
The meeting was attended by representatives from many important political groups, including PTI, Balawaristan National Front, BNSO, MWM, PPP and APML, as well as a number of journalists and activists.
The participants of the meeting urged all the political parties to include these three points in their election manifestos.
Can anobody please eloborate what is this “state-subject rule” and what potential implecations of the stated rule after its revival on Gilgit-Baltistan and GBians??? Can any subject specialst please enlighten the ordinary GBions on this improtant topic. Thanks
The information at this link can be helpful in understanding the state subject. It was kind of a permanent resident certificate (domicile) given to the residents of the state directly ruled by the then Maharaja of Kashmir.
http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/jandk/documents/actsandordinances/State_Subject_Rules.htm