Effective measures: Foolproof security demanded for Muharram

Volunteer committees to provide medical care.

PESHAWAR:

Keeping in view the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) – particularly in Hangu and Parachinar – Imamia Students Organisation (ISO) on Saturday asked the government to take proactive steps for protection of processions, Majalis-e-Azha and Imambargahs during Muharram.

Speaking at a news conference at Peshawar Press Club, ISO Peshawar Division President Zameer Ali Jafri said government and law enforcement agencies should prioritise and provide full protection to all congregations and processions during the first 10 days of Muharram.

He, however, expressed concern over the government’s inaction in dealing with increasing number of target killings of Shias in Hangu district, and over the issue of disputed land of Balash Khel tribe in Parachinar.

“Government and law enforcement agencies should take effective measures for establishing peace in both districts along with the rest of K-P during Ashura,” demanded Jafri. “We are expecting foolproof security arrangements for the prevention of any untoward incident in the first 10 days of Muharram.”



Flanked by ISO Allama, Mohammad Asghar, and other activists, Jafri said volunteers of student organisations and scouts will also be deployed for snap checking people before they enter a procession or Majlis-e-Azha. The volunteers will be deployed at various sensitive districts including Peshawar, Hangu and Mardan along with Kurram Agency.

He added ISO will create committees to establish free medical camps and for the safety of procession routes along with other preparations. Jafri said the government and law enforcement agencies should take Shia leaders and Ulema into confidence before finalising any security plan for Muharram.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2013.