Gilgit-Baltistan: As police operation continues in Darel Valley, 20 suspects surrender

IGP defends security forces decision of blowing up houses of alleged militants.

GILGIT:

More than 20 suspects have surrendered during the ongoing crackdown against criminals in Darel Tangir valley of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), said police chief Usman Zakria.

During a press conference on Monday, Inspector general of Police (IGP) Zakria gave details of the operation. It was launched by the government after a police van in the valley was attacked. Two policemen, one of them a DSP, were killed and three others were injured in the incident.

Security forces then, following a jirga’s orders, blew up the houses of the accused who had escaped arrest.  A total of five houses were blown up. There was a strong reaction to the incident with politicians saying the act was in violation of human rights because the men had only been accused and not convicted by a court of law.



Zakria defended the security forces’ actions saying they had only exploded the towers of the houses because they feared criminals would target the police from there.

Towers are built to guard a house from enemy attacks.



Flanked with his DIGs, Ali Sher and Amjad, besides other senior police officials, Zakria said more than 90% of the accused from last year have been caught.“This is why peace has returned to the town”.

When asked about the two incidents on Sunday where a bomb was recovered near a lawmaker’s house and five people died during a fight, the IGP said the bomb was placed only to create panic in the region while the second incident was a case of land dispute on which both sides had a longstanding claim. “Swift action was taken by the police to bring the situation under control,” he claimed.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 16^th, 2013.