Sectarian Violence: Government asked to arrest culprits

Dozens of protesters blocked a main road demanding the arrest of culprits disturbing the city’s peace and harmony.

GILGIT: Dozens of protesters in Gilgit on Tuesday blocked a main road demanding the arrest of culprits disturbing the city’s peace and sectarian harmony. They threatened to take to the streets again if the government failed to provide security to civilians. The protestors gathered at Airport Chowk where leaders including G-B assembly ex-lawmaker Himayatullah asked the government to stop the violence being perpetrated since Eidul Azha. A heavy contingent of police and other security agencies guarded protestors to prevent any incidents from arising. Traffic was diverted until the peaceful protest ended. Meanwhile, markets in Gilgit remained deserted on Tuesday; fear ran rampant after a grenade attack on a shop last night left two injured on Punyal Road. Police said that they have arrested three suspects and are investigating the matter.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 16^th, 2011.