CHITRAL: General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Syed Javed Bukhari visited Kalash valley here in Chitral. Despite a bad weather conditions, the GOC arrived here in a military helicopter. The purpose of his visit was to provide a sense of safety and protection to the people of Kalash Valley. He met elders of Kalash and Muslim communities and assured them of protection and safety. Local people expressed their concerns and fear, amid threats from Taliban who recently had issued a statement asking Kalash people to embrace Islam or face the music. They had also threatened the Ismaili Muslims of Chitral.
The GOC said that an old video was repeated by media only to terrify the peace loving people of Chitral."There is nothing to worry about, the security forces are on alert and ready to tackle any security issues faced by the people." He said.
Local people demanded better infrastructure in the area, especially roads. They also demanded to create job opportunities for Chitrali youth. They said that the residents of Chitral should be given priority in military recruitment. The GOC was briefed about the problems people face here.
GOC Major General Javed Bukhari assured the residents of Kalash of any possible support. He said that provincial and federal government will be motivated for a web of developmental networks in Chitral. Local elites thanked the GOC, for visiting the valley and for the assurance of protection.
A large number of people both from Kalash and Muslim community were present on the occasion at Bumborate.
Source - DT