Shabbir A Mir
Gilgit, Oct 16: The Gilgit-Baltistan’s new Inspector General Police (IGP), Tahsin Anwar Ali has unveiled his strategy to tackle the restive situation in the region.
Tahsin Anwar Ali replaced Khurshid Alam Khan as IGP. Though Khan’s contract was to expire in January 2010 but he was relieved following a fresh wave of killings that left more than 11 dead and several others injured last month in Gilgit. Pakistan premier Yousaf Raza Gilani was also in the town inaugurating the self-rule package for the region when terrorists ambushed a van, killing five passengers besides injuring ten others onboard.
The new IGP was addressing journalists for the first time after assuming office in Gilgit. He said he had met a number of delegations and listened to their suggestions with respect to the prevailing situation of Gilgit.
In the wake of fresh wave of sectarian violence, the upcoming polls for the 34 seats of Gilgit-Baltistan legislative assembly would be the biggest challenge for Ali as providing foolproof security to every party holding public rallies is a difficult task. But the new IGP is hopeful that his force would cope with the challenge.
He has also urged people to visit him with their issues.
“My office is open for all and anyone feeling distress call on me at my office,” Ali said.
IGP said he would be pleased to help people in settling their disputes and for that matter he would be available all the time.
“As government servants in the uniform, the officials must detach themselves from either sectarianism or police service,” he warned.
Unveiling his plan, he said he would visit every district and meet the policemen himself so that their motivation level remains high.
“Gilgit police is doing ‘reactive’ policing instead of ‘proactive’ policing,” he said, adding there was no room for such individuals in police force who prefer sects over their duty.
Admitting that police in Gilgit-Baltistan was lacking professionalism and training, Ali said he would arrange trainings for them in other parts of the country.
The IGP said that deputing police in the sensitive streets wherein shooting incidents have taken place in the recent past would be considered in the security plan. To another question, the IGP said the decision to provide police guards to some people would also be reviewed.