Educational institutions: CM orders heightened security after Diamer attacks

At least 12 schools were torched last week in G-B district

ASTORE: Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review security arrangements in the wake of attacks on at least 12 girls’ schools in the Diamer district.

During the meeting, the chief minister appreciated efforts of the law enforcement agencies against terrorism, saying all state institutions were on the same page to root out terrorism and extremism from the country.

He also welcomed public support towards security personnel to wipe out miscreants from G-B and ensure durable peace in the area, adding that coordination would further be strengthened among all schools of thought to promote tolerance and harmony in the area.



He said security would further be tightened at all educational institutions to provide a peaceful and conducive learning environment to students.

Rehman also paid glowing tribute to Arif Hussain for his supreme sacrifice, adding the entire nation was proud of him.

Arrests

Police and security forces have arrested at least 32 suspects on suspicion of their involvement in damaging and torching girls' schools in the Diamer district.

The crackdown continues in the area to arrest the miscreants involved in anti-state activity as a list of miscreants was handed over to a grand jirga for further procedure while roads in Darail and Tangir areas have been reopened for traffic after a search operation.



Earlier on Sunday, at least one terrorist was killed during an operation against militants who torched girls' schools in Chilas. Police said terrorists opened fire on police and security officials. In retaliation, one suspect identified as Shafiq was killed.

Earlier last week, unidentified assailants damaged and torched at least 12 girls' schools in G-B's Diamer district and fled, causing widespread panic among residents.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 7^th, 2018.