Target killing: G-B govt issues shoot-to-kill orders

Rangers, Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts authorised to open fire on armed individuals.

GILGIT:

Despite shoot-to-kill orders issued by the Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) government to restore peace, the capital city was swept by a fresh wave of violence after armed men killed one person and injured three others in broad daylight on Saturday.

This week, four persons were killed, including a deputy superintendent police (DSP) and four others were injured. Rizwan, a resident of Kashrote who was injured in an ambush some days ago, died in the hospital, provoking the already charged people who took to the streets in protest.

An hour after the first death, Hamid Karim, a resident of Nagral, was ambushed by unidentified men on Ahsan Ali Road near Kashrote. He was immediately taken to the hospital where his condition is stated to be serious.

In yet another incident, Abdul Wakil, a resident of Chilas was shot dead by unidentified armed men near Nagral Imambargah, where a resident of Astore also came under fire. The incidents triggered panic in the city which became completely deserted as news spread.

“Shoot-to-kill orders have been issued for Rangers and Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts,” confirmed Deputy Commissioner Gilgit Asad Zamin.

Assistant inspector general police G-B, said several suspects had been arrested and were being investigated. “The situation is under control and we will bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The provincial government has recruited slain DSP Muhammad Ibrahim’s son, Tariq Hussainm, as an ASI in the police force. While addressing a ceremony at the police recruitment centre, Chief Secretary G-B Saifullah Chatha said the killers would be arrested soon. He said Ibrahim’s family would also receive financial assistance.

The DSP was killed by armed men on Wednesday night in front of his house in Nagral, after duty hours. He was one of three men attacked by the terrorists in the city that day.

Ibrahim had been working in the investigation wing for the past two years in Gilgit. The same day, Aziz Ahmed was shot and injured by armed men. His condition was stated to be critical.

Police said four people have been arrested for interrogation and also claimed to have nabbed three suspects for the DSP’s murder. Earlier, Superintendent Police Gilgit, Wasil Khan had said it was premature to say if it was a sectarian-motivated killing.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2012.