GILGIT: An anti-terrorism court has issued arrest warrants
against 216 people who were involved in an armed conflict over a land dispute
in Gilgit district.
The warrants were issued by ATC judge Raja Shehbaz Khan.
Earlier, in January, a large number of people were injured after the residents
of three villages — Haramosh, Chamugarh and Jalalabad — exchanged fire and
pelted each other with stones. The dispute arose over a piece of land called
Maqpoon Das in Gilgit. Residents of all three villages have staked a claim to
the land.
Following the clashes, the district administration sealed
the territory and deployed a heavy contingent of police and Gilgit Scouts to
avert any untoward situation.
The government booked several people under the
anti-terrorism act for posing a threat to law and order.
Amid tensions
Although further violence was avoided, the situation
remained tense as the parties refused to surrender their respective claims.
“The situation is extremely dangerous given the harsh stand
taken by the villagers,” Inayat Ali, a resident of Haramosh told The Express
Tribune on Sunday. “All parties have staked a claim over the land and say that
it belongs to their ancestors.”
Various political and religious figures intervened to
alleviate tensions. However, all attempts to negotiate between the villagers
failed.
Muhammad Shafi, a member of the G-B Assembly, was among the
key figures who sought to defuse tensions and pave the way for a settlement.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, he hoped the dispute would be settled through
negotiations.
“We have held several rounds of consultations to settle the
issue,” Shafi said. “I am quite hopeful we will succeed in our efforts.” He
said the issue was volatile and could escalate if it is not controlled in a
timely manner.
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