Terror alert triggers operation in Chilas; two ‘high-profile terrorists’ arrested

Published October 5, 2013
Gunmen had shot dead nine foreign mountaineers and their tour guide at the 4,200-meter base camp of Nanga Parbat, the country’s second highest peak on June 23, 2013.—Photo by AP
Gunmen had shot dead nine foreign mountaineers and their tour guide at the 4,200-meter base camp of Nanga Parbat, the country’s second highest peak on June 23, 2013.—Photo by AP
Map shows location of Chilas. —Photo: DawnGIS
Map shows location of Chilas. —Photo: DawnGIS

GILGIT: Security forces launched a massive operation against anti-peace elements in Chilas after receiving a tip-off about the presence of two high-profile terrorists in the remote northern town on Saturday.

The two terrorists were arrested after forces cordoned off the entire town in a major operation, they claimed.

“We have arrested two high-profile terrorists who were directly involved in the terror incident of the Nanga Parbat in which ten foreign climbers were killed,” said a senior police official requesting not to be named.

Gunmen had shot dead nine foreign mountaineers and their tour guide at the 4,200-meter base camp of Nanga Parbat, the country’s second highest peak on June 23, 2013.

The attack on the last peak was claimed by a small militant group said to be affiliated with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Police said Saturday that some phone calls were intercepted which disclosed the location of the terrorists and the entire area was cordoned off and a search operation was launched.

Senior Superintendent of the Police in District Diamer, Muhammad Naveed confirmed that two terrorists were taken into custody after the operation carried out jointly by the police and security forces.

He did not disclose the identity of the terrorists and said naming them right now would spoil the operation because there was a likelihood of further breakthrough.

Shaheen Coat, Takia and Jalil points of the city were completely sealed and no one was allowed to enter or exit the town.

Police also claimed both terrorists were hiding disguised in women’s clothing when they were taken into custody.

Door-to-door search continued for the last 30 hours and police officials said more raids were to be conducted soon.

Earlier, the SSP Diamer said there were serious threats of terrorism and security has been tightened up in the city and a heavy contingent of police has been deployed in particular areas.

He said that the police was fully prepared to cope with the situation. He spoke well of the security agencies and said their cooperation made arrest of the culprits possible for the police.

The official said a large number of weapons was also recovered during the operation while 15 individuals were also taken into custody who were later cleared as there was no criminal record against them nor their involvement was found in any criminal activity.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...