GOC assures Kalash community of full protection
Gul Hammad Farooqi
Chitral, February 24: General Officer Commanding (GOC) Major General Syed Javed Bukhari visited Kalash valley Chitral. He arrived here in a military helicopter despite of disturbed weather to satisfy and assure Kalash people for their full protection and support. He met elders of both Kalash and the Ismaili Muslim community. He was briefed about the poor condition of roads and communication network in the valley as well as feeling of fear among the Kalash community after threat by Taliban. He termed any threat by miscreants to Kalash and Ismaili community will be dealt by the forces. He said that the forces are red alert to overcome any untoward situation.
He said that an old video was repeated by media only to terrify these peace loving people. He said that there is nothing in fact and we have controlled all borders. Local people also demanded for construction of roads and job opportunities. They said that residents of this backward valley should be given preference in recruitment because they cannot compete of candidates living on other developed areas because of no educational institutions and civic facilities in the valley.
They also demanded for construction of schools, colleges and the only road of the valley to facilitate them. They said that Kalash having international importance due to their unique culture, customary and tradition. A large number of tourists visit the valley every year but due to poor condition of roads tourists especially foreign tourists face great problems.
GOC Major General Javed Bukhari assured them of their fully support. He said that they will motivate provincial and federal government for extending developmental network in the valley. Local elites thanked GOC Bukhari for visiting the valley and assuring them of fully protection and providing them other facilities. A large number of people both from Kalash and Muslim community were present on the occasion of his arrival to scenic valley of Bumborate.
