The news item about the meeting of Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain with KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and his request for the resolution of the so-called boundary dispute at Shandur has created unrest and mistrust among the people of Ghizer and Upper Chitral.
Leaders of public opinion have appealed to both the leaders to revisit their stance on the non-issue.
Historic records show that the present boundary between GB and KP at Langar pasture, four kilometers east from Shandur Polo Ground in Upper Chitral was established during Sumalic rule in 1240 AD, and it has been undisputed for the last 786 years.
An invalid question on the boundary was raised against the establishment of Frontier Corps Chitral Scout post on Shandur Top in 1980, and the issue was highlighted by RAW agents on special mission in GB in order to create unwanted controversy likely to cause disturbance and unrest in two neighboring districts of Ghizer (GB) and Upper Chitral (KP).
The matter was referred to Joint Ministerial Commission of SAFRON and KANA in July 2003, where the claim of GB was turned down.
The aggrieved party lodged an appeal before the Chief Appellate Court Gilgit, where Additional Advocate General KP represented our province. Ultimately, the court ordered to maintain status quo, honoring the age-old Langar boundary. Documents of the file show that Federal Land Commission report 1975 and revenue record support the plea of KP’s right of ownership.
The Shandur Bashqar Gol Wildlife Conservancy of KP also starts its contours from Langar boundary.
It is pertinent to mention that people of Ghizer, GB and Laspur, Upper Chitral KP live in peace and harmony on both sides of the Shandur Pass. People of Laspur have 800 summer houses on Shandur Top, and their property rights have never been questioned in the past.
In view of the above, the discussion of the two leaders on a non-issue is a deplorable move to wrong direction. In case the matter is taken for discussion at administrative level, public opinion leaders from Ghizer, GB and Laspur, Upper Chitral KP should be taken into confidence to avoid unrest or law and order situation.
Dr Inayatullah Faizi
Balim, Laspur
Upper Chitral
Phone# 0346-9891045
Advocate Shahid Ali Khan Yaftali
Harcheen, Laspur
Upper Chitral
Phone# 0345-544484
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