Feb 09, 2009

Gilgit Baltistan: New Police Force to Bring Security


Sample ImageTalk of a new police force to monitor highways in the region, expects to provide peace and stability for people living in the Gilgit Baltistan.
 
 
 
Below is an article written by Shabbir Ahmed Mir, and published by The News:

Northern Areas Inspector General of Police Khurshid Alam has hinted at raising a police force that would ensure security on highways in the areas, official said here Saturday [7 February 2009].

About 1,500 men will be recruited in the Karakoram Security Force - a force similar to motorway or highway police - that will keep a constant supervision on the famous Karakoram Highway (KKH) and other highways in the region, said NAs IGP Khurshid Alam, while talking to a delegation belonging to Diamer district.

The IGP was of the opinion that formation of a grand jirga was a must to ensure durable peace and sectarian harmony in the region marred by sectarian strife in the past. He said that the grand jirga would comprise 100 influential people representing all sects and belonging to all parts of the region where work on mega projects - KKH upgradation and Diamer Bhasha Dam - was in full swing.

He said that the development projects were bound to bring about economic revolution in Gilgit but said a peaceful atmosphere was a prerequisite for materialisation of it.

The jirga will act as a catalyst to end longstanding disputes among tribes and individuals living in the Gilgit and Baltistan.

After the delegations concern that the diamer district was bordering restive Swat and Kohistan and that concrete steps were the need of the hour, Khurshid Alam said that it was his desire to raise a force that will comprise 1,500 security men.

The police chief sought local elders’ cooperation in maintaining peace and said that no progress was possible without local people’s active participation.

The delegation assured their cooperation but reminded the IGP of the plights they were facing since long. The delegation stressed upon the IGP to increase job quota in police for their district.