MANSEHRA, Jan 29: The district administration has ordered the closure of rest houses functioning illegally in Mansehra.

Chairing a meeting called to promote tourism industry in Mansehra, especially in Kaghan valley, deputy commissioner Zulfiqar Ali Shah said there was a need to build rest houses in Kaghan valley for tourists, especially foreigners, to generate more and more revenue for public welfare schemes.

He said the illegal rest houses, mostly located in populated areas, were being used by anti-social elements and therefore, they should be shut down without delay.

Mr Shah said banks of all rivers in the district should be cleared from garbage with assistant commissioners monitoring the activity.

In response to a demand made by the deputy conservator (wildlife) for acquisition of the government land for a rest house, the DC said he would take up the matter with the relevant authorities.

He added that if there was no government land for it, then land would be purchased from the people for the purpose.

CLERIC TORTURED TO DEATH: An Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat leader was allegedly tortured to death in Baffa area over a religious dispute on Tuesday.

Mehboob Khan, son of Maulana Nazir Hazarvi, told police that his father died after Abid Shah and another man tortured him.

Soon after the death, angry ASWJ workers blocked Baffa-Mansehra Road by placing the body on it. They set fire to tyres and ransacked shops demanding arrest of the accused.

Police sprang into action and arrested the accused prompting the mob to disperse.—Correspondent