GILGIT: Army's help sought in Gilgit
GILGIT, June 2: The Northern Areas' administration has sought the army's help in dealing with the situation that may arise on Thursday as a result of a deadline given by Shia leaders on the issue of syllabus , official sources said here on Wednesday.
Shia leader Agha Ziauddin Rizvi has set Thursday as a deadline for the the settlement of the issue and announced that in case of failure his followers would resort to all means to press their demands. It was also assured that the Shia community was
He said that a formula had already been worked out but its implementation had been delayed in Gilgit. They pledged that if their demands were met there would be no agitation of any kind.
SCHOOLS CLOSED: The Northern Areas administration has decided to close all schools in Gilgit and Skardu for indefinite period in the wake of strikes launched by the Shia community on the issue of syllabus.
Earlier, Syed Agha Ziauddin Rizvi warned that they would resume agitation in the whole region from Thursday till their demand for a separate Islamiat syllabus for Shia students was met.
On Tuesday morning about 300 students in Gilgit took out a protest rally, blocked roads and forcing shopkeepers to close their shops, police said. At least 16 rioters had been arrested, they added.