5 terrorists involved in Kohistan Carnage arrested: Rehman Malik

Protest Movement launched in Gilgit and adjacent areas

SPs of Diamer and Kohistan suspended: Malik

PT Report

Gilgit, March 9: Federal Interior Minister, Rehman Malik, called Agha Rahat Friday night to inform him about the arrest of five terrorists allegedly involved in the Kohistan Carnage. According to media sources the Interior Minister also informed the Shia cleric about suspension of Superintendents of Police for Kohistan and Diamer district, on charges of “negligence”. A deadline set by leadership of the Shia community for acceptance of a charter of demand expired today, but the federal minister could not reach Gilgit, for unexplained reasons. He has however assured Agha Rahat that the government is fully committed to implementation of the Charter of Demand, without giving any time frame.

Earlier, the members of Shia community in Gilgit city and adjacent areas started a protest movement by climbing on roofs of their houses and chanting religious slogans, like “Allah-o-Akbar” and “Labaik Ya Hussain”.

The decision for launching of the protest movement was announced by Agha Rahat today, while addressing the Jumma congregation at main Imamia Masjid in Gilgit city. In his speech the most influential Shia leader in GB asked the people to start the protest movement by climbing on top of their roofs and chanting slogans to show unity and coherence, at 0830 hours in the night. He also said that government has not show the seriousness required for investigation of the bloodshed.

According to Gilgit based people the Gilgit valley echoed by religious slogans chanted by thousands of the Shia residents of Gilgit city.

Earlier in the day, leaders of the Shia community were also met by Maj. General Ikramulhaq, commander of the FCNA.

Tough security measures have been put in place to stop any untoward incident, according to sources.

The city has been gripped in fear, yet again, due to uncertainty.