More trauma: Panic grips ICU as security forces open fire during drill

Students say they were not informed about mock exercise

PESHAWAR: Firing during a security rehearsal at Islamia College and University (ICU), Peshawar sparked panic among students and teachers on Tuesday.

An insider familiar with the matter told The Express Tribune, police and army officials were conducting a drill at the varsity to provide firearms training to students and teachers. The shots fired during the drill triggered a wave of panic on campus. “Students ran out of classes scared out of their wits that militants had stormed into the premises,” the insider said.

Cycle of fear

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Saddam Khan, an ICU student, said many pupils who were inside the varsity’s building were unaware a security rehearsal was being conducted on campus.

“Students were worried after they heard firing,” he said. “We cannot concentrate on our studies under such circumstances.”

According to Saddam, after the attack on Bacha Khan University in Charsadda, a large number of students stopped attending university and are finding it difficult to take an interest in their studies.

Latifullah, another student, flayed the ICU administration for not informing them about the drill in advance.

“When students see army convoys on university premises, they become afraid and assume the institute is under attack,” he said. “Students are already frightened after the Army Public School and BKU attacks and react to even the slightest sound.”

A police official deployed at ICU, who requested anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media, said the training was organised for students and teachers and the ICU administration was informed about it.

“We should encourage students to participate in such exercises,” he said. “Security at the campus is on high alert and no vehicle is allowed to enter the premises without a thorough check.”

Blaming students

When contacted, ICU Assistant Director for Admission Amir Azhar said the security rehearsal had been planned in advance and notifications had been issued twice.

“A majority of students do not pay attention to the notice board,” he said. “Perhaps that is why they were not aware a drill was taking place.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 3^rd,  2016.