G-B issues warning to hate-mongers

Authorities to crack down on people spreading hateful content, blocking highways

ISLAMABAD:

The district administration and police in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) have been instructed to take strict action against elements involved in spreading hateful content on social media and blocking roads and highways.

During a meeting of the G-B Apex Committee convened on Wednesday to discuss the security situation in the region, the authorities were also ordered to ensure that Karakoram Highway and Jaglot-Skardu road are not blocked at any cost.

Strict action will be taken against those who attempt to close any educational institution or hospital. The Karakoram Highway and Jaglot-Skardu Road will remain open at all costs, the participants concurred.

At the meeting, it was agreed that the relevant deputy commissioner will be responsible for filing cases against those who block roads in any area. There will be no tolerance for those who block roads or highways.

The committee decided to take immediate and strict action against those spreading hate material on social media. The Home Department will establish a special cell to monitor those promoting hate material on online forums.

In this meeting, instructions were given to all district administration and police officers to regularly meet with officers from intelligence agencies on a daily basis.

The committee asked the police and district administration officers to keep an eye on people coming from outside and individuals residing illegally.

Regular inspections of hotels should be conducted to monitor foreigners and those residing unlawfully. People should be informed that individuals residing unlawfully will not be tolerated.

To prevent the smuggling of weapons and drugs in the region, strict checking should be carried out on both domestic and international routes, the committee agreed.