Tight security maintained for Muharram processions

Snipers had been deputed on roof tops along with security forces circling in helicopters.

LAHORE: Police and other security forces maintained tight security for Muharram 9 proceedings in Lahore with processions being taken out in the city encountering no untoward incident, despite a number of threats received.

All main roads and arteries connecting processions routes had been sealed off with barricades and barbed wires. Police deployed snipers on roof tops with helicopters patrolling on stipulated routes to spot any signs of trouble. Each helicopter had one DSP and a sniper along with a video cameraman as they circled over the main procession routes.

Police had deployed 165 personals of their elite force at key points along the Muharram procession routes. Members of the Mujahid squad, along with Quick Response Froce patrolled the city parallel to procession routes.

More 1000 rangers also remained stand-by to deal with any emergency situation in the city. Volunteer forces along with Mukhtar Force were deputed to frisk procession participants.

Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Ahmad Raza Tahir, DIG Ghullam Mehmood Dogar, SSP Sarfraz Falki and division SPs also patrolled the city, checking upon security arrangements in the city.

CCPO Tahir in a statement said that all senior police officers should monitor the security at Majalis in their respective areas to ensure peace and harmony during Yaum-e-Ashur. He added that any violator should be arrested immediately and stern legal action be taken against them. The CCPO said that metal detectors were being used at the entrance of Imam Bargahs, with no one allowed to enter without being checked.