An accused terrorist leader was killed in Diamer, a security forces operation in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan area. This means that intelligence-based operations will be ongoing against militants to protect significant projects in the area.
Details on Operation
On July 4th, an intelligence-based operation was carried out by Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts and the Pakistani army at Diamer’s Darel to apprehend those involved in the Hudur incident. Consequently, Commander Shah Faisal, who was wanted by the police, died during this raid while another suspect was wounded.
Official Statements
According to government officials, these suspects were responsible for attacking a passenger bus last December, resulting in the death of at least ten persons and injuring sixteen others.
Operation Context
This comes shortly after Pakistan’s federal cabinet declared that “Operation Azm-e-Istahkam” had been launched, which is aimed at carrying out indiscriminate actions against terrorists throughout the country.
Ongoing Operations and Objectives
Operations are still ongoing, according to Faizullah Faraq, the spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan Government. These operations are targeting other culprits involved in the Hudur incident.
Securing Major Projects
He observed that beyond snooping around Hudur incident suspects only, such systems would continue to be utilized on other elements, such as non-state actors/insurgents facing terrorism charges. The aim is, therefore, to secure the District Diamer and Karakoram Highway since it involves the safety of various mega projects like Diamer Bhasha Dam, among others.
Background on Militant Group Involvement
Mujahideen Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral
The ‘wanted commander’ killed during the operation by the Pakistani Army and Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts reportedly belonged to a militant group called Mujahideen Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
Past Terrorist Activities
This organization has previously been implicated in different terrorist incidents within Gilgit-Baltistan, especially along the Karakoram highway. Government sources have revealed that these militants affiliated with this group are involved in the killing of foreign mountaineers at Nanga Parbat and attacking passenger buses and girls’ schools razed by arsonists.
Reactions and Concerns
Three security personnel, one civilian, and a young girl were injured during the operation in the Diamer district, as stated by Shams Lone. The Home Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan spoke to while speaking.
Arrests and Wanted Terrorists
Further, he added that Commander Zahid was also arrested but injured in that operation. It is on record that about seven people were declared wanted after fleeing from police in relation to the Hudur incident.
Government’s Efforts
Faizullah Faraq, spokesman for the Gilgit Baltistan Government, reported that our security agencies have apprehended three facilitators for their link with the Hudur incident so far. In parallel, cases were filed against seven more individuals once they were identified through those facilitating arrestations.
Public Response
Protests erupted in the Diamer District over the Hudur incident; nonetheless, the government has promised to capture all culprits involved.
Community and Religious Leaders’ Reactions
Bashir Ahmed Qureshi, General Secretary of JUI-F DIAMER, said the name of commander Shah Faisal often came into discussions. He indicated, ‘He would come sometimes and disappear sometime like that. His native area is Darel.’
Concerns from Local Organizations
Some religious figures operating within the region have expressed misgivings about this security forces operation. Maulana Muhammad Sharif leads Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz Sahaba Wa Ahl-e-Bayt, a local organization in the Diamer District. After the security agencies took action, a meeting of religious scholars took place, where concerns were raised.
