Tension prevails in Gilgit, Hunza Nagar post Kohistan killings

GILGIT: Tension has gripped different areas in Gilgit and Hunza Nagar after 16 passengers were brutally killed in Kohistan on Tuesday, Geo News reported.

Meanwhile the funeral prayers of 15 identified victims was held on Tuesday, while curfew has been imposed in Gilgit.

Local residents were already restricted to their houses while thin transport was observed on the roads.

Sixteen people were killed in a sectarian attack when unidentified gunmen forced them to disembark from four Gilgit-bound passenger buses and sprayed them with bullets in Kohistan district on Tuesday.

District Police Officer, Kohistan, Muhammad Ilyas said the armed men hiding on both sides of the road intercepted many buses in the Harban Nala area early in the day and ordered more than 100 passengers to get off the vehicles.

Violence erupted in Gilgit as a result of the attack, claiming at least one life.

The deceased has been identified as Ubaidullah, who was shot dead near the public school roundabout in the Joeyal area.

All government and private offices, educational institutions and business centres across Gilgit-Baltistan were shut down after the news of attack reached the area.

Security in the six districts of Gilgit-Baltistan was put on red alert.

All exit and entry points to Gilgit have been completely sealed on the directives of the deputy commissioner.

Section 144 has also been imposed banning assembly of four or more persons and the display of arms.

Educational institutions have also been closed in Gilgit for three days as a precautionary measure in the wake of a possible violent reaction by the victim community members.