Kohistan carnage: 5 accused held, says Rehman Malik

GILGIT: Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik has claimed that five militants involved in Kohistan killings have been arrested, Geo News reported Saturday. He told that a major operation against militants would be conducted soon.

The minister said that he has instructed to increase the number of PIA flights to the area and to safeguard traveling at Karakoram Highway.

PPI adds: Interior Minister Rehman Malik said that foreign hands were involved in Kohistan bus firing incident.

Talking to media persons here at presiding over a meeting on law and order situation‚ he claimed that those involved in Kohistan incident have been identified. He said those involved in the Kohistan incident will be brought to justice at all costs.

Interior Minister said those involved in the abhorrent incident has been identified. The list of identified persons will be handed over to local Jirgas who will hand over the culprits to the security forces. He said nobody will be allowed to play with the law and order situation of Gilgit-Baltistan.

He said the number of check posts will be increased in the area to maintain law and order situation.

The Minister rejected attribution of Kohistan incident to sectarianism saying miscreant elements out to destabilize Pakistan are behind such horrific incidents. Their nefarious designs will be foiled with the cooperation of the people, he added.

He announced compensation of two million rupees each for the bereaved families of those killed in Kohistan incident.

He also announced setting up of passport and NADRA offices at Challas.