Tragic Attack on G-B Scouts: A Call for Unity and Justice
On Friday, tragedy struck in the Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) region when two personnel of the G-B Scouts were martyred, and one was injured following an armed attack in the Hudur area of Chilas. The attack, carried out by unidentified gunmen at a joint check post, has sent shockwaves through the community.
The brave souls lost were Naib Subedar Khushdad from Nagar and Havaldar Ashraf from Shigar. The third individual, Lance Naik Sajid, thankfully is now in stable condition after being transported to the Regional Headquarter Hospital in Chilas. An emergency was declared at the hospital as security forces quickly responded, cordoning off the area and initiating a search operation to locate those responsible for this heinous act.
Faizullah Faraq, the G-B government spokesperson, condemned the attack as “a cowardly and unforgivable act of terrorism.” G-B Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has emphasized the need for prompt action against the attackers, pledging that “these handful of miscreants have nowhere to hide.” Similarly, G-B Interior Minister Shamsul Haq Lone assured the public that efforts to bring the attackers to justice are already underway.
Who Are the G-B Scouts?
For those unfamiliar, the Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts serve as a vital security force in the region. Formed to address the security needs of this strategic area, they were officially renamed on January 17, 2011, under the Empowerment and Self-Governance Order of 2009. Prior to this, they were known as the Northern Areas Scouts, established in 2003.
The G-B Scouts have a rich history that traces back to the Gilgit Scouts, formed in 1889. This historic unit played a crucial role during the 1947-48 war, helping to secure the region’s liberation. Over the years, they evolved through various formations and merged into the Northern Light Infantry (NLI) in 1974, eventually becoming a part of the Pakistan Army following the Kargil conflict in 1999.
This recent attack not only highlights the sacrifices made by our security forces but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining peace and safety in the region. It’s essential for communities to come together in solidarity against such acts of violence.
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