Keeping watch: G-B’s seminaries to come under close scrutiny

Caretaker chief minister chairs meeting on NAP’s implementation in the region.

GILGIT:

As part of the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP), the government of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) has decided to scrutinise both registered and unregistered madrassahs operating in the region.

According to a government official, the decision was taken during a meeting chaired by interim chief minister Sher Jehan Mir. Home Secretary Sibtain Ahmed and intelligence officials attended the meeting.

“Scrutinising madrassahs was one of many decisions taken in the moot,” the official told The Express Tribune.

He added clerics from outside G-B have been barred from entering the region for an indefinite period as intelligence reports have suggested their presence could incite hatred and lead to sectarian violence which has plagued the region in the recent past.

Moreover, according to a statement issued from the chief minister’s office regarding the meeting, the regional government will take steps to set up military courts soon to formally implement the NAP.

The statement added collection of donations by any groups or parties has been banned, officials have been directed to ensure tinted glasses are removed from private and official vehicles and police have been directed to launch a crackdown against proclaimed offenders.

The statement further said cellular network towers will be set up along all stretches of the Karakoram Highway which do not have the facility to ensure safe travel along the strategic route.

Moreover, Afghans working or living in the region will also be sent back to their refugee camps located in other parts of the country. “If need be, the army will be asked to train the police,” the statement read.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 10^th, 2015.