Rangers deployed at police stations

Chief Minister Mehdi Shah has called in paramilitary Rangers to maintain order in Gilgit Baltistan.

GILGIT: In an attempt to quell sectarian violence in Gilgit-Baltistan, Chief Minister Mehdi Shah has called in paramilitary Rangers to maintain order. Not only that, the chief minister has also ordered large-scale transfers in the police department.

In a related move, security forces have seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition during a deweaponisation drive in Nagral, New Nagral, Barmas, Khomer and Basin areas, officials said. Uniforms of security personnel were also recovered during the operation.

“It’s a message to all government officials: if they don’t shun their differences, the law will take its course,” Shah told journalists on Saturday. He said troublemakers would be dealt with iron hands. “You will see the results in a short time, we have taken some drastic measures,” Shah added.

Of the 68 transferred police officials, sources told The Express Tribune that most were in the rank of assistant sub inspector (ASI) or below. And that they had been serving at one police station for almost five years.

Deployment of paramilitary Rangers at police stations shows police have lost credibility in the region. “The decision was taken following the  arrest of some policemen for their alleged involvement in sectarian violence,” an official told The Express Tribune requesting anonymity. “It’s a temporary arrangement. The Rangers will be withdrawn as soon as normalcy returns to the area,” he added.

Sources said a retired deputy superintendent police (DSP) has also been picked up during the search operation in connection with his involvement in sectarian violence.

The Gilgit-Baltistan force commander, Maj-Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, has been monitoring the situation.  He has taken strong exception to complaints against police and the deteriorating law and order situation in the region. He has asked the authorities not to show leniency towards troublemakers.

Deputy Commissioner Asad Zamin briefed journalists about the deweaponisation operation. He said they have recovered illegal arms and ammunition and fake uniforms of security forces. He added that the government has gathered information about all those involved in sectarian violence.

Some government officials were also siding with people from their sects, he added. “We have been tipped off about such officials and soon action will be taken against them.”

Zamin also issued a stern warning, saying that anybody found involved in aerial firing will be sent behind bars along with all his family.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2010.