Police duty: Security plan for local government polls ready

Bahawalpur DPO said surveillance cameras have been installed at extremely sensitive polling stations

BAHAWALPUR:

Security arrangements for local government elections and the chehlum of Hazarat Imam Hussain (RA) are almost complete and relevant departments have been informed about their duties, Bahawalpur Division Commissioner Captain (r) Saqib Zafar said on Monday. “Bahawalpur is a peaceful district and the people of this area have always strived to keep the peace.”

Bahawalpur DPO Sarfraz Ahmad Falki said 1,255 polling stations had been set up and polling stations in sensitive locations have been placed in three categories. He said 60 polling stations placed in category A have been declared extremely sensitive; 110 polling stations in category B have been declared sensitive; there are no security concerns at 1,085 polling stations in category C.

He said surveillance cameras have been installed at extremely sensitive polling stations. They have been provided security at four levels. Groups comprising five or more people, who are not voters, are forbidden from gathering within 300 metres of extremely sensitive polling stations. “The ECP’s code of conduct will be strictly enforced on polling day and no one will be allowed to display weapons or fire celebratory shots.”

He said the police will conduct a sweep search of offices and vehicles of candidates ahead of polling day. Polling stations in categories A and B will be searched by Special Branch officials ahead of polling day, said Falki. Security Incharge Naveed Abid has been directed to implement security measures and oversee security at polling stations in Bahawalpur. Pakistan Army and Rangers have been asked to stand by in case of an emergency, he said.

Chehlum security

Falki said 32 processions and 56 gatherings will be held in Bahawalpur district to mark the chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). Processions and gatherings have been placed in three categories: six in category A (most sensitive), five in category B (sensitive) and 21 in category C (not sensitive); similarly, three gatherings have been placed in category A, two in category B and 51 in category C.

He said 800 policemen will be deputed at the processions and gatherings.

The Reserve Force and the Quick Response Force have been asked to remain on standby in case of a security emergency. He said the processions would be monitored through surveillance cameras.

Participants of the processions and gatherings would be frisked before passing through walk-through gates where they would be searched with metal detectors before they can enter the venues. Women participants would be searched by women police.

Officials of the Special Branch would conduct a thorough sweep of the venues before the start of processions and gatherings.  The routes along the procession tracks would be sealed off by razor wire. He said members of peace committees will also participate in the processions. “We have incorporated their suggestions in the security plan for the processions and gatherings.”

Sharp shooters will be deployed on buildings along procession routes and bomb disposal squads and Health Department officials will be stationed nearby to deal with any emergency situation. Other officials on duty will remain on high alert.

The control room will be set up between Safar 18 (today) and Safar 28 (December 11) in office of the Legal Affairs DSP. The control room will be supervised by Legal Affairs DSP Kanwar Muhammad Qasim.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 1^st, 2015.