Terrorist threat: Gilgit-Baltistan, K-P governments urged to remain vigilant

All possible measures taken to ensure security: G-B DIG.

GILGIT: The ministry of interior has cautioned of possible terrorist attacks in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

In a letter sent by the ministry’s National Crisis Management Cell, the department urged both the governments to be vigilant, citing that terrorists are being trained in Waziristan Agency and may carry out attacks in G-B or K-P anytime.

The department also informed that the terrorists who killed 19 passengers, mostly Shias, at Lalusar, Kohistan a couple of months back were also trained in Waziristan, adding that the terrorists were “probably being supported by foreign agencies”.

The ministry also stressed the need to nab the gangs involved in target killings in G-B and ensure peace in the region.

As a security measure, the G-B government recently suspended traffic between Gilgit and Chitral via the Shanur Pass on grounds that the government does not have enough manpower to keep check on “all of G-B as well as Chitral”.

G-B Deputy Inspector general (DIG) Police Ali Sher assured that all possible measures have been taken to ensure peace in the region.

He said that highways leading to G-B are being monitored and public transport between Rawalpindi and G-B is being escorted by security forces.

He added that the police have arrested several suspects during these escorts.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 10^th, 2012.