The calm after: Mobile services restored as normalcy returns to Gilgit

At least 22 suspects arrested in search operation.

GILGIT: Mobile phone services were restored in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) as law and order improved on Friday.

The services were opened up after 10pm on Thursday as law enforcement agencies, after a meeting, declared the security situation of Gilgit town as satisfactory. “The decision was taken in view of the improved situation in the region,” said an official on Friday.

Cellular services were suspended early on Wednesday after four people, two of them university students, were injured during a clash with the police.



The incident occurred when students of Karakoram International University refused to comply with police orders to clear a major road in Konodas area. The students had been protesting against the university administration for admitting students who were expelled earlier.

A few days before, three people were gunned down by unidentified assailants in different areas of the town, triggering unrest in G-B.

“At least 22 suspects have been arrested and two pistols recovered during an operation,” said an official of the superintendent police office, adding more than 100 unregistered motorcycles have also been impounded during the operation launched after pillion riding was banned.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 21^st, 2013.