Handful of miscreants behind G-B situation: CM

“We will ensure that the rule of law prevails in the region," Chief Minister Shah said.

GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Mehdi Shah on Monday accused a handful of troublemakers of holding Gilgit-Baltistan hostage and said he would prefer to resign than compromise with such miscreants.

While talking exclusively to The Express Tribune on telephone, Chief Minister Shah said, “We will ensure that the rule of law prevails in the region. It is better for me to resign than compromise with a handful of troublemakers.”

The chief minister has earned appreciation in Gilgit-Baltistan for taking stern action against the perpetrators of sectarian violence in the region. Last week, he transferred 68 policemen from Gilgit to other parts following the arrest of some other policemen allegedly involved in sectarian killings.

“I believe those behind these incidents are trained individuals. Nobody can commit such heinous crimes without having proper training,” he said referring to the use of sophisticated weapons by the killers.

Shah said that the delegation of powers amongst Northern Areas Scouts and Rangers has enabled the law enforcement agencies to take control of the situation swiftly.

Referring to the closure of the Karakoram Highway due to floods, the chief minister said that the highway will be fixed and opened before Eid. In the meanwhile, he said that traffic will  be diverted to the Babusar-Kaghan road.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 31^st, 2010.