Lahore police have chalked out a comprehensive security plan for Muharram gatherings and processions of Ashura.
DIG Operations Lahore Ashfaq Khan has said that more than 15,000 police officials including 12 SPs, 34 DSPs, 83 inspectors and personnel from Anti-Riot Force, Dolphin Squad, PRU and SSU will perform duties to provide complete protection to the participants of the mourning processions and gatherings.
He said all the logistic and operational arrangements for the plan have been finalised along with the survey of the routes and imambargahs. Implementation on government directions regarding coronavirus preventive measures would be ensured through enforcement teams in collaboration with all the stakeholders.
He said almost all the issues regarding risk of trouble and flashpoints have been resolved with consultation and mutual coordination of the local communities at the police station level. All the important mourning processions will be provided a security cover by Elite Police as well, he added.
Meetings have been held with allied departments, community leaders and members of peace committees. Parliamentarians have also been taken into confidence to obtain their support in maintaining peace during Muharram.
The DIG said maintaining peace in Muharram is the top goal of Lahore police.
Lady police officers will check the female participants of the events in search cabins. The entrances of all the streets falling on the routes of the main procession will be closed with barriers and barbed wires.
Dolphin Squad and the Police Response Unit teams will ensure effective patrolling around imambargahs and routes of mourning processions.
Documents of the citizens are being checked at houses, hotels, guest houses through search operations, geo-fencing and biometric system whereas identity verification is being conducted of passengers at bus stops, terminals and railway stations through the Hotel Eye app as well.
The monitoring of the processions will continue through a special mechanism at the control rooms set up at Punjab Safe Cities Authority as well as all divisional offices of Lahore police. The Lahore police have completed consultation with members of district and local peace committees, licence holders of the majlis, religious and local representatives, traders and residents of the related areas to ensure a peaceful atmosphere throughout Muharramul Haram.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 20th, 2020.
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