Four injured, three ‘kidnapped’ in Ghizer over land dispute

GILGIT: At least four people were injured, and three others were allegedly kidnapped in the remote Batharait valley of Ghizer district following a violent clash over a land dispute between two groups, confirmed Deputy Commissioner Habibur Rehman on Friday.

Speaking to HUM News English, Rehman detailed the incident, which began in early August when a man from the Syed tribe rented out a small structure, described as more of a hut than a shop, to a resident of Tangir. This action sparked outrage among the Gujjar group, who claimed ownership of the property. The dispute quickly escalated into a physical confrontation, with both groups hurling stones at each other.

The violence did not end there. The following day, the groups clashed once more, this time resorting to gunfire, which resulted in four individuals sustaining injuries. Reports soon emerged that three people had been kidnapped during the chaos. An FIR was promptly registered to address the alleged kidnappings.

However, Deputy Commissioner Rehman later clarified that the individuals reported as kidnapped had resurfaced safely in Tangir valley.

“They are currently en route to Gilgit, and it will only be confirmed whether they were forcibly taken or left on their own accord once they arrive,” he said.

Rehman assured that the injured individuals are receiving the “best possible treatment” at Shaheed Saifur Rehman Hospital in Gilgit and are currently out of danger

In response to the escalating tensions, a mediation team from Diamer district has been formed to engage in negotiations with a counterpart team from Ghizer. The jirga, a traditional tribal council, will be organized with the consent of both parties involved to resolve the dispute amicably.

Meanwhile, Ghizer police, in an official statement, addressed the measures being taken to restore peace and order in the affected region. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ghizer, along with the Deputy Commissioner, conducted a visit to Batharait to assess the situation on the ground. SSP Ghizer issued directives to SDPO Gupis Phander, Ataur Rehman, to form a team responsible for gathering comprehensive details of the incident and ensuring the arrest of those involved.

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As part of this effort, the SDPO and his team successfully arrested a key suspect, Muhammad Deen, son of Gashpoor, from the Batharait area. The suspect has been transferred to Gupis Police Station, while the search for additional suspects continues.

Furthermore, it said, SSP Ghizer has been in continuous contact with Diamer police to coordinate efforts for the safe recovery of those allegedly kidnapped and to ensure their safe return to Ghizer. SSP Ghizer has also departed for Diamer to oversee the operation personally.