Daily Times

LAHORE: The city police have finalised a foolproof security plan for the upcoming Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and Urs of Data Ali Hajvery (RA). The detailed plan includes deputation of more than 10,000 police officers and other law enforcers to avoid any untoward incident across the provincial capital, Daily Times has learnt.

Mobile phone service and pillion riding could be banned from tomorrow (Monday) in the city, especially in the City Police Division and other sensitive areas.

On the occasion, four layers security would be provided in and around both venues. Six SPs, 35 DSPs, 60 SHOs, personnel of Counter-Terrorism Department, Bomb Disposal Squad, Special Branch and other law enforcement agencies would provide security cover and maintain law and order across the city.

Special security arrangements have been made for the devotees, as 2,000 police officials have been deputed on main gates of Data Darbar, while twelve walkthrough gates and metal detectors have been installed at the entry points.

Thousands of devotees and followers are scattered around different places in the city for which police high-ups would depute trained snipers on rooftops of buildings located adjacent to important public places such as mosques, imambargahs, government installations, buildings and offices.

The police department would also utilise the services of Elite Force, Mujahid Force, Quick Response Force, and Dolphin Squad in addition to personnel of other intelligence agencies for round the clock observation in all sensitive areas. The personnel deputed at the city police stations are also directed to keep a vigilant eye on all crowded places situated in their respective jurisdiction.

Talking to Daily Times, a senior police officer said that a high profile meeting of senior police officers was held to chalk out a ‘foolproof’ security plan to maintain law and order in the city on the eve of Urs of Data Ali Hajvery (RA) as well as Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS).

Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Ameen Wains and DIG Operations Dr Haider Ashraf said that Lahore Police remained on high alert in order to maintain peaceful atmosphere and harmony in the provincial capital, as more than 10,000 police officials would provide security cover, while armed personals would also be deputed to maintain law and order.

The CCPO ordered special surveillance and checking of all hotels, motels, bus and wagon stands to avoid any possibility of subversion and to ensure law and order on the occasions of Ali Hajvery Urs. He directed to make effective arrangements to ensure smooth flow of traffic on these occasions.

DIG Dr Ashraf directed that parking should be made at a safe distance, preferably 200 meters, from venue of the processions urs, whereas mobile squads, motorbikes and cars of Elite Force would also be deployed on
these occasions.

Sources said that all the vehicles entering the province as well as Lahore would be strictly checked at the check posts established at entry points. Using advanced intelligence reports, the movement of suspected persons and vehicles is also being monitored.

Moreover, police patrolling, picketing and snap checking is being ensured in the areas of imambargahs, majalis points, shrine Data Darbar and its surrounding areas and also other sensitive places across the city. The parking of vehicles would be at certain distance from the imambargahs and majalis points.

Sources said that police officials are monitoring the shrine through CCTV cameras, adding that four out of nine doors to the Data Darbar have been opened for visitors and worshipers.