2 killed in an exchange of fire between two groups in Naltar valley of Gilgit-Baltistan

2 killed in an exchange of fire between two groups in Naltar valley of Gilgit-Baltistan. According to sources, today at 7pm a group of youth from Lower Naltar (Naltar Paeen) was traveling to Upper Naltar (Naltar Bala) to enjoy the scenic lakes as part of their Eid trekking.

En route Mr. Karim resident of Naltar Bala along with youth of the locality attack the picnic party. As a result, Mr. Saleem Abbass, Mr. Farjad Hussain and other got serious injuries. Sources said that Mr. Farjad Hussain died during the evacuation. Whereas, Saleem Abbas died in the district headquarter hospital.

Note that Naltar Paen is Shia dominated while Naltar Bala is Sunni dominated village. Both villages claim ownership of the lakes and pastures. Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan order IG Gilgit-Baltistan to for JIT to probe the incident and also requested the residents to remain calm and avoid tagging the incident on sectarian ground.