Ensuring peace: AJK police prepare security plan for Muharram

Police say use of loudspeakers in the public places, wall-chalking banned during the month

MUZAFFARABAD:

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) police have issued a nine-point code of conduct to ensure peace and security during Muharram in the limits of Muzaffarabad Division, which comprises Neelum, Hatain Bala and Muzaffarabad districts.

Addressing a press conference in Muzaffarabad recently, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Irfan Masood Kashfi said the use of loudspeakers in the public places, wall-chalking, publication of hate material, and display of firearms has been banned during the month.

“During Muharram, security is the top priority and in this connection more than 1,000 policemen would be deployed across the division” said Kashfi.

The SSP further said that more than 50 per cent of majalis and processions would be taken out from 33 imambargahs of the division.

“There are reports that six out of 33 imambargahs are sensitive and keeping this in view an additional force will guard these premises,” he informed.

Muzaffarabad division has been divided into three sectors to ensure peace in the area and SHOs will head the security of each sector, he revealed, adding that for the first time the police will film the Muharram processions to ensure mourners’ security.

Besides, cops in plain clothes, lady police officers and volunteers of civil defence, and other government departments will also help the administration to ensure peace, it was stated.

“Special teams of police are also collecting data of outsiders staying in hotels, guesthouses and rental houses in the capital city. All entry and exit points of the division have been closed till Muharram 10, however, police will search people at Kohala, Bararkot and 12 other entry points,” he stated.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 26^th, 2014.