Summary At least 21 persons including a PhD professor and security personnel had embraced martyrdom
CHARSADDA (Dunya News) – Chehlum of Bacha Khan University (BKU) attack’s 21 martyrs is being held today amid tight security at the campus, Dunya News reported Monday.
Heavy contingents of law enforcement agencies’ personnel are guarding the university premises while an additional checkpoint has been established.
On January 20, militants had stormed Bacha Khan University in the early hours. At least 21 persons including a PhD professor and security personnel had embraced martyrdom in the attack.
The university was closed however, students returned to continue their studies on February 15, 26 days after the invasion.
Read more: Terror-struck Bacha Khan University reopens after 26 days
Within ten days after the attack, the investigation committee which was formed to probe the planning and execution strategy of the militants had filed its first report.
The committee, in its report held vice chancellor (VC) and security in-charge responsible for negligence.
Findings suggested that as many as eight guards were absent from their duties when attackers entered the university taking advantage of dense fog.
The university had not informed the district administration about special routine followed on the day of attack pertaining to anniversary of Bacha Khan.
At least 19 security guards were appointed around the university campus however, four were absent while four ran away after hearing gun fires.
The committee had recommended sacking Bacha Khan University’s Vice Chancellor Fazal Raheem Marwat and security in-charge Ashfaq Ahmed. Former security personnel were recommended by the committee to be hired on daily-wage basis.
Another recommendation forwarded by the three-member committee was to install security cameras and establishing a control room in the university.
It was the second time that an educational institution s security was breached and students killed after Army Public School (APS) attack in December 2014. Around 140 persons, mostly students had lost lives in the APS attack that led the government to form a comprehensive counter strategy.
