Sit-in to continue until culprits and their facilitators being arrested: Ahle Sunnat wal Jamaat
Gilgit: Law enforcement agencies in Gilgit are on high alert following Sunday’s attack that left six people, including religious scholar Maulana Qazi Nisar Ahmed, injured. Inspector General of Police Gilgit-Baltistan Afzal Mahmood Butt confirmed in a joint press conference with the Home Secretary and DIG that several suspects have been arrested while others are being pursued.
The IGP stated that two injured attackers managed to flee and are being tracked. Around eight facilitators have been detained, and four vehicles used in the attack have been seized. Hospitals and medical staff have been directed to immediately inform police if any suspicious or injured individuals seek treatment.
Butt said more than 200 CCTV cameras are currently monitoring Gilgit city, and an additional 500 will soon be installed to strengthen security. He praised the public for maintaining peace and patience, calling Maulana Qazi Nisar Ahmed a “benefactor of Gilgit-Baltistan” whose wisdom helped avert a major tragedy.
During the press conference, the Force Commander announced a reward of Rs100,000 for each injured police officer, while the IGP announced Rs20,000 per officer. Butt appealed to the public to trust the police, assuring that the main perpetrators will soon be brought to justice. Courtesy Baang
Ahl e Sunnat wal Jamaat’s protest and Sit-in
Meanwhile, the protest and sit-in of Ahl-e-Sunnat wal Jamaat against the attack on Qazi Nisar has continues for a third consecutive day. The group says the sit‑in will continue until the suspects and their facilitators are arrested and full details are made public.
A senior official of the organisation said the attack on Qazi Nisar is an attack on the peace of Gilgit‑Baltistan and on the Ahl‑e‑Sunnat community; until they receive a satisfactory response they will be forced to protest. The protest could take a more serious form later.
He added that the attackers are still within the boundaries of Gilgit‑Baltistan. Their CCTV footage has arrived; wherever these attackers went and stayed, operations should be carried out at those locations under army supervision.
So far, according to updates provided, more than 15 people have been arrested. In his press conference the IG did not make clear whether the attackers and their facilitators have been caught. If ordinary innocent people are arrested, they will be released after seven to ten days. If we stop the protest because we are placated by such actions by the departments, they will get the chance to play with the peace of Gilgit‑Baltistan.
The second demand is that foolproof security be provided for the religious scholars.