GILGIT, Feb 26: Tension and fear gripped Gilgit on Saturday when the news spread that the person injured in firing on Friday died in a local hospital in the evening.

Deputy Commissioner Sajid Baloch in a press note confirmed the death of Ali Jauher, resident of Bargo, 30km west of here on Friday night.

The note also confirmed that two other persons, Bahadur Wali and Muzaffar Wali, injured in the firing in Kashrote locality on Friday had been admitted in a hospital. It did not tell their condition.

It said Ali Jauher had been stoned to death in Baseen.

Other sources said tension gripped the city on Friday when youths belonging to different sects attempted to block roads in connection with the checking of passengers and vehicles in two localities of Baseen and Amphary. This had lead to an exchange of fire between two groups.

However, the officials as well as independent sources were reluctant to tell as to who first resorted to firing.

The situation remained highly fluid the whole day until army troops erected barriers at various points and were recalled to their bunkers.

Some unknown people blocked the Karakoram Highway at Nasirabad in Hunza, but officials said they had removed the hurdles and reopened the highway for traffic.

The city wore a deserted look on Saturday.

The sources said two youths, Ijlal Husain and Azam Ali, belonging to Bargo village had been kidnapped by unknown persons three days ago. The incident also added fuel to the tense situation.

Despite repeated attempts, local officials could not be contacted till filing of this report. They were reported busy in meetings.

CHEHLUM: On the other hand, the Shia community of the region have announced to celebrate chehlum of late Shia Scholar Agha Ziauddin on Sunday.