The Gilgit-Baltistan government has taken the decision to deploy the army in order to restore peace and maintain law and order in the region. This development comes after recent protests in Diamer’s Chilas led to panic and unrest in the area.
The decision was made during a meeting of the Parliamentary Peace Committee, which is led by the chief minister and responsible for addressing matters related to law and order. The committee also decided to deploy personnel from the Rangers, GB scouts, and Frontier Corps in major cities across the region.
The initial protests in Chilas were sparked by demands for the arrest of a religious leader from Skardu, who was alleged to have made controversial remarks. The protests resulted in the blockage of the Karakoram Highway and the Babusar Pass road for three days.
Additional protest demonstrations took place in Astore and Gilgit, but they were called off following the registration of a first information report against the religious leader, Agha Baqir Al-Hussaini.
In response to the unrest, the GB government deployed the Karakoram Task Force and police personnel on key roads to ensure passenger safety and the movement of vehicles.
During the recent Parliamentary Peace Committee meeting, chaired by GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, it was decided to take legal action against individuals who publicly insult religious beliefs and holy personalities. Additionally, the army will be called in to maintain peace and security in the region, while Rangers, GB Scouts, and FC personnel will be stationed in major cities.
The GB Home Department has also imposed Section 144, prohibiting illegal gatherings and road blockades to further restore order. Violators will face strict action, and the government urges citizens to cooperate and display unity and harmony.
The GB government is closely monitoring individuals who propagate hate through social media and other means. They are determined to respond firmly to such elements and maintain an environment of peace and brotherhood in the region.
In the meantime, mobile internet services in GB have been temporarily halted and downgraded to 2G, as announced by the Special Communications Organisation (SCOM) responsible for telecom services in the region.
The GB government reassures citizens that they will take all necessary measures to ensure law and order while continuing tourism activities under any circumstances.