Saturday, November 16, 2024 07:34 PM
Two Levies personnel killed in an insider attack in Malakand, prompting community protests and demands for justice.
PESHAWAR/QUETTA - In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the Malakand district, two personnel of the Malakand Levies were killed in an insider attack late at night. This unfortunate event occurred at a Levies check-post in Dargai tehsil, where a Havildar and a constable lost their lives due to the actions of one of their own colleagues.
According to police sources, the incident unfolded around midnight when a Levies constable named Saddam Hussain, who was on leave, arrived at the Mosa Mina check-post with a friend. Without any warning, he opened fire on his fellow officers. The sudden and indiscriminate shooting resulted in the immediate deaths of Havildar Fazal Karim and Constable Muhammad Riaz, while another constable, Alamzeb, sustained critical injuries. Alamzeb was quickly referred to a hospital in Peshawar due to the severity of his wounds.
Following the attack, Saddam Hussain and his accomplices managed to escape the scene, prompting local police to initiate an investigation and launch a search operation to apprehend the assailants. The situation escalated further when the relatives of the deceased, along with local residents, placed the bodies on the main Malakand road, effectively blocking traffic for several hours. This act of protest highlighted the community's outrage and demand for justice.
In response to the unrest, Assistant Commissioner and local MPA Pir Musawir Ghazi met with the protestors, assuring them that a thorough investigation would be conducted and that the perpetrators would be brought to justice swiftly. After a successful negotiation, the protestors eventually dispersed, but the incident has left a lasting impact on the community.
In a separate incident, five policemen were injured in Quetta when a van, reportedly carrying supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), recklessly collided with them while they were on security duty near a playground. The injured officers were promptly taken to a civil hospital for emergency treatment.
This series of events underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in Pakistan, where internal conflicts and external pressures can lead to tragic outcomes. The need for better training, mental health support, and community engagement is more pressing than ever. As the investigation into the Malakand attack unfolds, it is crucial for authorities to address the root causes of such violence to prevent future tragedies and restore faith in the security forces.