M. irshad ullah
CHITRAL: A suspected militant was killed and another escaped following an armed clash with security forces in Bashqar Gol area of Laspur valley in Upper Chitral on Monday, officials confirmed.
According to initial reports, local residents spotted two armed men roaming suspiciously near Bashqar Gol, a mountainous region bordering Swat and Tangir valleys.
The armed individuals, believed to be militants attempting to infiltrate or regroup in the region, were immediately reported to the Levies post in Laspur.
Personnel from the Chitral Levies launched an operation to locate and apprehend the suspects. As the forces closed in on the militants, the latter initially raised their hands in apparent surrender. However, upon the approach of the security personnel, they opened fire, prompting a gun battle that lasted several hours.
One of the suspects was killed in the exchange of firing, while the other managed to flee into nearby forests. A large cache of weapons, including automatic rifles and hand grenades, was recovered from the deceased, suggesting they may have been planning an attack or seeking to establish a foothold in the valley.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Upper Chitral Moazzam Bangash confirmed the details, stating that a coordinated manhunt involving the Chitral Scouts, local police and Levies was underway to apprehend the fleeing militant.
“We have recovered sophisticated weaponry, and initial findings indicate possible cross-border movement,” he said. “We’re confident that the second individual will also be apprehended soon.
The security operation has stirred concern among residents, as the area, known for its scenic beauty and calm, rarely witnesses such incidents.