Police officer martyred by fugitives in G-B’s remote area

GILGIT: A police officer was martyred by suspected fugitives during a raid on a hideout in a remote village adjacent to the Batharet area of Phandar valley, in Gupis tehsil of Gilgit-Baltistan on Thursday.

According to initial reports, Sub-Inspector (SI) Muhammad Alam of Gupis Police Station was martyred in a crossfire in the mountainous Rahimabad village during a search operation for the alleged murderers of a teacher, who was shot dead two days ago in the Batharet area.

SI Alam, who hailed from Darel area of Diamer district, and his team led by SP Ghizer Sher Khan were conducting raids to arrest the suspected murderers of the teacher, when they came under attack from the armed men hiding inside a house, resulting in the death of the police officer.

The teacher, identified as Niat Ameen, was ambushed by unidentified assailants on Tuesday while he was riding his motorcycle in the Batharet area.

School teacher murdered in daylight, Ghizer-Chitral Road blocked in protest

The attackers shot him without warning and fled with his bike, which they later abandoned near the Batharet police checkpoint.

The teacher’s murder sparked a protest by his family and locals, who blocked the Ghizer-Chitral Road, a vital link between Gilgit-Baltistan and the neighbouring Chitral district, and placed his body on the road.

According to the sources, at least 23 people have been killed in these areas in the last couple of years, mostly by gunmen who attacked them in broad daylight and fled to the nearby Nalas, where they could evade the police.

The sources said that the Gupis police lacked the resources to arrest the criminals, who often escape to the Darel valley, a notorious hideout for terrorists and outlaws, after commiting crimes in Phander valley and Batharet.

Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan taking notice of the distressing incident, has sought a report from the G-B’s police chief and the home department.

Haji Gulbar Khan issued directives for the identification and immediate apprehension of those involved in this act of terrorism. He said that there should be no escape for those who attempt to disrupt the tranquility of Gilgit-Baltistan.

He emphasized that such acts of terror can never evade the clutches of justice. He commended the bravery and dedication of the police force in their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the region’s citizens.

Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan also offered his heartfelt condolences and prayers for the soul of the martyred SHO who valiantly sacrificed his life in the line of duty.