Military courts to hear first three cases in G-B

Mobile services to be suspended on Saturday for Ashura

GILGIT:

Military courts established in the region under the National Action Plan (NAP) will hear the first three terrorism cases, Gilgit-Baltistan IGP Zafar Iqbal Awan said on Thursday.

In an exclusive interview with The Express Tribune, Awan said the courts were set up a week ago and all terrorism cases which fall under NAP will be tried on these platforms. “Initially, three cases have been referred to the military courts,” the IGP said.



However, he did not specify any details about the cases.

When asked if the courts would also hear cases involving sectarian violence, Awan clarified only those matters which fall under the criteria set by NAP would fall under their jurisdiction.

According to the IGP, police also arrested over 100 people who were involved in heinous crimes and were declared absconders by courts over the past year.



Ashura preparation

The Gilgit-Baltistan government has decided to suspend mobile services on Saturday (today) as part of its security plans for Ashura. Traffic flow between G-B and Rawalpindi was blocked on Thursday and is likely to remain suspended today as well. Awan said the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure peace
and stability.

The IGP admitted there was a security threat from certain groups. “However, such nefarious designs of troublemakers will be foiled at all costs,” he said.

“Police have been trained and sophisticated equipment is available with police personnel. This has raised the morale of the police force.”



According to Awan, over 350 police officials have been trained under the army ‘s supervision and are equipped to deal with all eventualities. “At least 16 policemen have been sacked for not performing their duties effectively,” he said. “Those officials who have been working efficiently have been rewarded with cash and certificates.”

Major breakthrough

The IGP said the police achieved a major breakthrough by resolving a long-standing dispute between two sects in Hunza district over a route for the Muharram procession. “This deal has been reached between the Ismailis and Shias in the district,” he said. “They have agreed in writing to peacefully conduct the procession. This will have a positive impact on the rest of the region in future.”



In the past, both groups had divergent views on the matter which threatened peace and stability in the region.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23^rd, 2015.