GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan police on Friday claimed to have arrested 11 people in connection with the firing on a passenger vehicle in Naltar on Thursday.

Six people, including a woman, were killed and seven others injured in the incident.

Addressing a press conference here, DIG Gilgit Range Waqas Ahmed said the police had also formed a joint investigation team for the purpose.

He said the Naltar incident was linked to a dispute between two groups which had been continuing for years, taking many lives.

SSP Raja Mirza Hassan was also present on the occasion.

Mr Ahmed said the rivalry had also claimed lives of two young men in Naltar last year.

He said cases had been registered against the suspects under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Separately, a large number of people, including relatives of the victims, carrying coffins of the deceased staged a protest sit-in outside the Chief Minister’s House at Chinar Bagh in Gilgit.

The protesters demanded giving exemplary punishment to the perpetrators.

Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan talked to the representatives of the protesters, after which they ended the agitation.

Protest demonstrations were also held in Chilas area of Diamer district and Ghahkuch area of Ghizer.

The protesters criticised the government for failing to provide protection to the citizens.

Traders observed a shutter down strike in Gilgit in solidarity with the relatives of the victims.

Funerals of the five of the victims were held outside the Markazi Jamia Masjid in Gilgit after the Friday prayers.

A large number of people, including the chief minister, political, religious figures and civil and military officials attended the funerals.

Earlier, Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid along with GB Assembly Deputy Speaker Nazir Ahmed visited the Gilgit City Hospital and enquired after the injured people.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2021