QUETTA: A suspected militant belonging to a banned organisation was killed and 62 other suspects were arrested during operations carried out by police and Frontier Corps personnel in different areas of the provincial capital on Sunday.

The arrested suspects included a majority of Afghan nationals who are living in the city without legal documents.

According to sources, the FC and intelligence agencies conducted a joint operation on information about the presence of militants in the Darakhshan Housing Scheme, close to the Hazarganji area, on the Quetta-Sibi national highway.

Security forces cordoned off the area when they reached the housing society. During the operation, an armed man opened fire at them — security personnel responded immediately and as a result the alleged militant was killed. Weapons and ammunition were seized from his possession.

The body of the suspect — who belonged to a banned militant organisation — was taken to Quetta Civil Hospital .

Meanwhile, police also launched an operation in various parts of the city and its outskirts. They raided different hotels as well. During the operation, they took 62 suspects into custody.

“Majority of the arrested suspects are Afghan nationals who were living in different areas illegally and had no legal documents,” said Deputy Inspector General of Quetta police Abdul Razzaq Cheema.

Those arrested were booked under the foreigners act and sent to District Jail Quetta.

According to Mr Cheema, after the recent terrorist attacks, it was decided to take strict action against elements of banned organisations who were involved in terrorist activities.

Published in Dawn, February 20th , 2017