GILGIT, Aug 12: Police have detained 14 people in connection with a recent spate of sectarian killings here. The suspects were picked up during a series of swoops on different areas of the city, police sources said.

One of the suspects was identified as Imran Haider, son of Ghulam Haider and a resident of the city’s Amhary neighbourhood. Police recovered a 30-bore pistol from his possession.

Police sources said they believe Haider was involved in the murder of one Abdul Waris on July 18.

On Aug 7, law-enforcement personnel arrested six suspects allegedly involved in the killing of a retired serviceman Abdul Karim in Bargu village.

Another six men were picked up from Baseen village on Aug 10 in connection with the murder of a former revenue official, Muhammad Iqbal.

The police also arrested Ibrar Hussain, son of Muhammad Ishaque, at Jaglote bus stop and recovered a 32-bore pistol from his possession.

A spokesman for the Northern Areas police said that the inspector general of police in Northern Areas, Sarmad Saeed Khan, had directed the investigating officials to expedite efforts for early submission of challans in the courts.

He said the police had obtained the fingerprints of around 5,000 suspects and criminals.

The police have deployed 50 mobile units to protect those who travel on the Karakoram Highway (KKH) from Kohistan to Gilgit. Police officials intend to purchase more vehicles to extend their patrolling duties.