GILGIT: Two security personnel were reported injured in firing by terrorists during the ongoing clearance operation in Thor Valley, Chilas, the Gilgit-Baltistan Police spokesperson said. The injured were immediately shifted to hospital.
According to local sources, an emergency has been imposed at the Regional Headquarters Hospital in Chilas, with medical staff instructed to remain on high alert. However, the relevant authorities have not yet officially confirmed the loss of life.
The latest casualties come as joint operations by Gilgit-Baltistan Police, GB Scouts and Pakistan Army continue in the area to dismantle “terrorist hideouts” and destroy illegal opium crops following the April 14 ambush that left three policemen martyred.
LAWYER QUESTIONS OPERATION TACTICS
Meanwhile, Advocate Akhtar Zauq appealed to the Pakistan Army to “immediately stop targeting innocent, poor and peaceful local people in the name of operation.”
He alleged that “martyring 3 local citizens and injuring 2 others by firing on a vehicle is not only regrettable but also unacceptable.”
“If the aim is to eliminate terrorism, then the action should be taken only against specific terrorists, and not to punish the entire region,” Zauq said.
He added that the people of Thor Chilas “always stand with peace, state and law, but do not lose trust by shedding the blood of innocent people. The people are not enemies… There are 10 terrorists, but it is not fair to punish the entire nation.”
BACKGROUND
The current operation was launched after three policemen — Abdul Reheem Jami, Muqabil Shah and Hazratullah Musa — were martyred on April 14 when unidentified assailants opened fire on a police vehicle returning from an anti-poppy drive in Thor village. Five others, including DSP Faqeer Muhammad, were injured.
Following the attack, 15 suspects and facilitators were arrested during combing operations in Shitan Nala valley. Gilgit was placed on high alert and checkpoints were set up at entry and exit points.
Officials say poppy cultivation persists in GB’s remote valleys due to economic hardship and trafficking networks, with rugged terrain hampering enforcement.
IGP Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan has maintained the operation will continue until perpetrators are brought to justice.
