December 5, 2023
2 mins read

Terrorist Attack Sparks Protests in Gilgit Baltistan

Gilgit-Baltistan is dominated by the Shia community who have been targeted on several occasions by terrorists from the Sunni community….reports Asian Lite News


Widespread demonstrations broke out in Gilgit Baltistan following a terrorist ambush on a local bus on December 2, resulting in nine fatalities and leaving at least 26 others injured.

Women and children in Skardu, Chilas, and Gilgit blocked the roads and blamed the government and security agencies for their failure to act against terrorists.

As per the accounts of victims, the terrorists opened fire at the Rawalpindi-bound bus on the Karakoram Highway near Chilas town in the Diamer district.

The driver lost control of the bus and crashed into a truck coming from the opposite side. The terrorists continued firing, taking lives and harming more passengers in the bus.

A local resident who was part of the protest said, “this is a deliberate attempt to create fear psychosis among the people and loot our resources”.

Another protester said, “Who are these people who are attacking us. They should be arrested as soon as possible”.

The transporters union also organised a rally from Jutial Bus Terminal to Press Club Gilgit and condemned the terror attack.

A protester indirectly blamed the Pakistani army and said, “This was a targeted attack and those who are behind such attacks have the only intention to exploit the natural resources of Gilgit Baltistan. This is a conspiracy against us”.

“The security agencies must eliminate the terror sanctuaries within Pakistan,” he said while adding that security on Karakoram highway needs to be strengthened.

Faizan Mir, an activist of the Public Action Committee said, “Terrorists are operating across Pakistan. We urge the Pakistan government to take strict action against these terrorists”.

Gilgit-Baltistan is dominated by the Shia community who have been targeted on several occasions by terrorists from the Sunni community.

The local residents have been paying a heavy price due to the rise of sectarian violence.

In August 2012, as many as 25 Shia Muslims from Gilgit-Baltistan were forced out of a bus and killed in a sectarian attack in the Naran Valley of the Mansehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Around 50 assailants wearing Army uniform stopped three buses heading from Islamabad to Astore district in Gilgit-Baltistan and a van heading for Gilgit.

The victims were checked for their identification documents before they were lined up and killed.

The horrifying terror incident in Chilas again points towards the inadequacy of the Pakistan government in countering terrorism. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Millions Fall Victim to Antibiotic Resistance in India

Previous Story

Millions Fall Victim to Antibiotic Resistance in India

Next Story

Tulir- Tamil Makkal’s Talent Showcase for the Young

Latest from -Top News

India, US Step Up Trade Talks

The development comes in the backdrop of the new US ambassador Sergio Gor taking charge in the US embassy is New Delhi….reports Asian Lite News India and the United States are progressing

Lanka Marks Next Phase of Indian Housing Drive

Phases III and IV of the Indian Housing Project highlight India’s commitment to supporting and empowering Sri Lanka’s Indian-origin Tamil community….reports Asian Lite News Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday

Hamas Frees Captives

The Israeli Air Force announced that it has completed its preparations to receive hostages returning from Gaza to Israel….reports Asian Lite News The Red Cross has taken custody of the first group

China’s Grab for Africa

China’s investments aim to strengthen its geopolitical influence and its high-tech manufacturing sector in Africa…reports Asian Lute News China is further consolidating its dominance in the rare earth elements sector by expanding
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Pakistan: Ruling coalition rejects ‘controversial’ SC bench

The bench will take up three petitions challenging the Supreme

What does Imran-TLP deal indicate – peace or surrender?

The announcement of agreement followed more than two weeks of