GB Cabinet decides to reactivate cellular networks in Ghizar and Astore, special force to be deployed on KKH
Bureau Report
Gilgit, April 23: The GB government has decided to reactivate cellular networks in Ghizar and Astore. Deployment of a special force on the KKH has also been decided. Decision for reopening of two major sealed mosques in Gilgit city will be taken by elders of the region.
These decisions were announced by Dr. Ali Madad Sher, GB Education Minister, after a specially called meeting of the cabinet.
He said that cellular networks in Hunza – Nagar, Gilgit and Diamer will remain closed till complete restoration of peace and arrest of the wanted persons. The cellular networks in Baltistan have already been restored.
Ali Madad Sher claimed that 20 out of 30 people wanted on different charges of terrorism have been apprehended and the search is on for the rest.
It has also been said that up to 87 people have been arrested in Gilgit alone.
Speaking about the security on the Karakuram Highway he said that the cabinet has decided to deploy a specially composed “force”, comprising of 400 men taken Police, Rangers, Commandos and GB Scouts. This force will patrol different portions of the KKH in Kohistan, Diamer and Gilgit, he said. The force will be headed by an officer of the rank of Army Major.
The cabinet has decided to rely on “elders” of the two sect for opening of two major mosques that were sealed by the authorities on the charges of “spreading sectarian hatred” and “jeopardizing the law and order situation.” A special meeting has been scheduled for today, in which the elders from both sects will be asked to give written assurance to the government that the mosques will not be used to disrupt the law and order situation. The government has, reportedly, also decided to take stern action against if the assurance is not guaranteed.
It is pertinent to note that the government had proposed that both major mosques shall be led by “moderate” Imams. The government has warned that if the mosques don’t play a constructive role they will be handed over to the department of Auqaf.
The meeting was also attended by GB Chief Secretary, IGP, Home Secretary and other senior officials of the civil administration.
Restore cellular network in upper Hunza(Gojal) also please. It has nothing to do with peace restoration and arrests.
Special Forces would help; we need to educate our people. Instead of spending money on these Special Forces the government should be spending to educate these people in the countryside.
It is a nice move toward restoring peace, hopefully very soon peace will be restored.
Neither the special forces nor the ordinary ones could do anything to maintain law and order in the area.
The reactivation of cellular network is appreciated.
It means that we Hunzukutzh are terrorists and don’t want peace. Why not in Hunza? Who did we kill. Our persons have protected Kohistanis and Chilasees. We didn’t shed blood of anyone. Stop making monkeys out of us. We know who is doing this.