GILGIT: Two people were killed and four others injured in a clash between two groups in the Bathrait area of Ghizer district in Gilgit-Baltistan.

According to a press release issued by the GB police on Friday, two suspects were arrested from the area after the incident.

Police said the dispute between the two groups had been ongoing for a long time due to a land issue. The conflict escalated on Thursday when Qari Shakeel from an opposing group opened fire on Qari Shakir over a dispute related to the local mosque’s Imamat. Qari Shakir died on the spot.

Following this, the relatives of Qari Shakir opened fire at Qari Shakeel, leading to the death of his brother, Sadi.

The exchange of gunfire, coupled with stone-pelting, left four others injured, including two women, from both groups. The injured were identified as Nasbah Khatoon, Saleem, Aabi Hayat and Bil Jan. They were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Gahkuch. Three of the injured sustained head injuries and were shifted to Gilgit for further treatment.

Police conducted raids in the area and arrested two suspects from both groups. Further raids are underway to capture the remaining suspects.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2025