Daily Times

SHIKARPUR: The Shikarpur police have finalised security arrangements for processions and religious gatherings during Muharram. The police intend to launch search operations in different parts of Shikarpur and thwart any untoward incident during the holy month. Shikarpur SSP Umar Tufail held a meeting with religious and political leaders and urged them to promote amity during Muharram in order to ensure a peaceful Muharram. The police’s strategy is to implement the Fourth Schedule and place the activities of different groups and parties under surveillance. They intend to set up check points around Shikarpur city as well as Khanpur, Lakhi Ghulam Shah, Garhi Yasin, Sultankot, Chak and Madeji. Police vehicles will also be patrolling the Indus Highway to deal with any untoward incident. A total of 160 religious gatherings and 564 processions will be taken out from 70 imambarghas for which 10,000 police personnel will be deployed. The police will direct processions to make sure that they only pass through fixed routes, the police are allowed to cordon routes using barbed wire in this regard. The police will also enforce the timings set for the Ashura processions. Parking areas will be set up at a distance from the majalis and proper security protocols will be employed at the parking area’s entrance and exit points including metal detectors. Those attending the majalis will be issued entry cards. Walk through gates will also be installed at all entry and exit points of majalis and processions. Cameras and jammers will be installed along procession routes and control rooms will be set up while police snipers will be posted on rooftops along the procession routes. 5,780 police officers and jawans will also be on duty in pickets, on motorcycles and mobile patrol units during processions and majalis Hotels and inns will have to provide the police with data on the guests staying with them during the Ashura days. Persons from banned organizations will be forbidden to participate in any activities and the entry of Afghan refugees into Shikarpur will also be banned.

Published in Daily Times, September 13^th 2017.