Abbottabad aftermath: Security monitoring increased in G-B

Forces gathering, updating data about people from other areas.

GILGIT:

Security monitoring has been enhanced in Gilgit-Baltistan after the killing of al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden in Abbottabad, a region linked with Abbottabad via the Karakoram Highway.

Boosting vigilance at all levels, security forces started gathering and updating data regarding people from other areas living or visiting the region, The Express Tribune learnt on Monday.

“Not only are the roads leading to the Gilgit region being monitored closely but also places like bus terminals, rented houses and hotels are being observed closely so that no terror suspects can elude the agencies,” sources said.

With regards to Pakistan’s trade route with China via Gilgit, this town carries immense strategic importance and local authorities are keeping a strict eye out for any ‘suspects’ or ‘unusual’ activities or personnel.

The mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan is accessible via the Karakoram Highway starting right after Abbottabad – where the operation killing the al Qaeda chief took place – and culminates in Khunjerab along the border of China, levying significant security responsibilities for the region’s authorities.

“We are keeping a close eye on people who are not originally from this region,” said a police official. He said that the security will remain foolproof in the days ahead, adding that officials in civilian clothing have been dispatched to various locations of the area as part of an overall security plan chalked out for the region after the Abbottabad operation. With the onset of spring season, the influx of tourists to the region has also risen sharply, increasing the workload on intelligence agencies.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2011.