IS wall-chalking: G-B police arrest five suspects

JIT interrogating the detainees, says department spokesperson.

GILGIT: Police have arrested several men allegedly involved in graffiti favouring the so-called Islamic State (IS) in different parts of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B).

The first wall-chalking in the region, welcoming the self-proclaimed caliphate, was spotted in Gilgit back in November. Almost three months later, similar graffiti was seen on walls in Skardu, stirring fear among locals and signalling the possible presence of the notorious group in G-B.

“Skardu city police have arrested Zakaria, a resident of Shigar Valley, for spraying slogans in favour of the terror group,” read a statement issued by G-B’s central police office.

According to the statement, Zakaria was caught red-handed in Skardu. Moreover, Shamsuddin, Awais, Zahid Mir and Muhammad Yasin were also arrested in connection to the incident and Tissar police registered cases against them.

“A joint investigation team (JIT) has been formed and interrogation is under way,” said department spokesperson Mubarak Jan while speaking to The Express Tribune on Saturday.

The arrests came days after G-B’s new police chief Zafar Iqbal Awan took charge and announced to implement the National Action Plan in letter and spirit. “Awan has issued clear directives in this regard and police will not spare militants and their sympathisers,” added Jan.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th, 2015.