SHIKARPUR: Shikarpur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sarfraz Nawaz Shaikh on Tuesday issued strict directions to maintain law and order situation during Muharram mourning processions to prevent any untoward incident in Shikarpur. Reportedly, he presided over a high-level meeting with police officers at his office. He ordered officers to not allow anybody pass through sealed lanes and allow people to pass only through metal-detecting walk-through gates at entry points. He further asked them to inspect every suspicious movement nearby Muharram gatherings and ensure that no dubious object including cement blocks, bags and shoppers was placed on procession routes. Furthermore, area police has been ordered to not allow motorcycle, car or any vehicle parking and policemen will be deployed to monitor the procession routes. Besides, officers will not use smart phones during their duties and policemen will not be allowed to leave their positions until crowds are dispersed after processions. Meanwhile, a training session was also organised for lady police personnel and lady healthcare workers at the Police Headquarters in Shikarpur. The Shikarpur Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Health Officer (DHO) ensured provision of 20 lady healthcare workers for performing duties in Muharram gatherings. Furthermore, Shikarpur SSP, Sukkur/Larkana Special Branch SSP and Bomb Disposable Squad (BDS) and Special Branch were briefed about possible security threats in Muharram. They were also sensitised about identification features of suicide bombers and an effective demonstration to respond them. BDS was ordered to conduct inspection of all procession routes thoroughly. The district police, BDS and Special Branch were directed to ensure maximum coordination between their departments with a timely exchange of information. Published in Daily Times, September 19th 2018.