CHITRAL: Hundreds of residents from Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir protested against the Kalash Valleys Development Authority (KVDA). Both Kalash and Muslim community members joined the demonstration.
Protesters said the government had created KVDA without consulting locals. They accused the authority of imposing harsh taxes and restrictions that disrupt daily life and threaten the valley’s peaceful traditions.
Social activist Malik Shai led the protest. He was joined by former Nazim Khurshid Ahmad, political activist Saifullah Jan, social leader Qudratullah, Vice Chairman of Rumbur Sharafat Shah and Senior Vice Chairman of Bumburet Maulana Hidayatullah. Other key figures included Noor Shali, Abdul Razaq, Gul Feroz, Nizar Gaye, Kamaluddin, Fazal Mola Danish, and Saifuddin.
Speakers accused the KVDA of enforcing its own laws. They said the authority taxed daily activities and blocked locals from using natural resources like pine nuts. They called it a plan to make the community dependent.
“If peace in this valley is disturbed, the KVDA will be responsible,” warned one protest leader. Protesters demanded the government dissolve the authority immediately. They said they would continue protesting until the KVDA is abolished. If needed, they will take legal action.