GILGIT: The government of Gilgit-Baltistan has put in place strict security arrangements to ensure peace during Muharram in the region.

Muharram majalis and processions will be monitored through CCTV cameras and drone cameras in sensitive areas.

A high level meeting, chaired by GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan held in Gilgit on Tuesday.

GB Home Minister Shams Lone, Special Assistant to Chief Minister, Hussain Shah, GB Chief Secretary, Secretary Home, GB police Inspector General, Commissioner , Deputy Commissioner and other senior officers participated in the meeting. Deputy commissioners of all districts participated in the meeting through video link.

The meeting decided to make arrangements for security and maintain peace during Muharram.

Speaking on the occasion, GB chief minister Haji Gulbar Khan said that the government will take all possible measures to ensure peace and order and promote brotherhood in Gilgit-Baltistan during the Muharram.

He ordered deputy commissioners and SSPs of all districts to hold meetings with village committees on daily basis.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister directed the heads of all relevant departments including the secretary works and communications, secretary power, secretary health to ensure the availability of health facilities and cleaning of routes of processions and majalis and ensure uninterrupted power supply.

Chief Minister formed a special committee under the chairmanship of GB Interior Minister Shams Lone to maintain peaceful environment and brotherhood in the region,

Members of the committee are Special Assistant to CM Maulana Sarwar Shah, Special Assistant Hussain Shah and Special Coordinator Sheikh Nasir Zamani.

The committee members will visit all the districts of the region and play their role in ensuring peace and order.

Meanwhile, addressing a press conference GB Interior Minister Shams Lone said that controversial content is being shared on social media through fake IDs, which spreads mischief, and leads to a breach of peace.

He warned any government employee found guilty of spreading hatred on social media would be dismissed from service, similarly if the civilians are found doing this, the government will deal with such elements with iron hands.

Shams Lone said that the peace of GB is our first priority.

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2024