GILGIT: Police tightened security arrangements in Gilgit on Thursday amid tension in the city after violence claimed two lives and left 22 people injured last week.

Addressing a press conference in Gilgit, DIG of Police Farman Ali said five FIRs had been registered under the anti-terrorism law in connection with the July 30 clash.

Farman Ali said out of 18 people suspected of involvement in the violence, nine had been arrested.

Raids were under way to arrest the remaining suspects, he added.

The police official said 60 suspects had been arrested and weapons recovered from seven of them. Twelve people were released after questioning.

Pillion riding on motorcycles has been banned in Gilgit and 4G mobile internet will remain suspended till Ashura.

The GB government has set up a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the incident.

According to investigators, the violence on July 30 was not a premeditated incident as “evidence and statements by some of the accused suggests the violence erupted after a scuffle between two individuals” at Yadgar Chowk.

Meanwhile, a control room has been set up in GB home secretary’s office to monitor the law and order situation during Muharram.

Home Secretary Iqbal Hussain Khan said all Muharram processions across Gilgit-Baltistan were being monitored.

Published in Dawn, August 5th, 2022