Condemning Violence: Skardu marchers protest Karachi bomb blasts

GILGIT:

Hundreds of protesters in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, took to the streets on Tuesday to condemn Karachi’s twin blasts. Amongst the casualties, at least two killed and six injured were Baltistan residents.

At the protest, speakers called for stern action against terrorists. The entire town of Skardu sported a deserted look, with shutters down and all schools, businesses and offices closed. The local government announced a day of mourning for the 49 blast victims.

These demonstrations took place just a day before the bodies of the Karachi blast victims – those that were residents of G-B – are to be dispatched to Skardu for burial.

“This is the worst form of democracy,” shouted a speaker at the rally. “All it has given us are corpses and increasing attacks on minorities, especially Shias.”

Baltistan, once one of the most peaceful regions of the province, has dealt with unfortunate incidents since 2012. Many of the residents of this scenic area have fallen victim to the sectarian attacks targeting passengers in Kohistan, Babusar, Chilas and Gilgit.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 6^th, 2013.