Over 5,000 cops deputed for Muharram security

East district marked as most sensitive in Karachi, Shaheed Benazirabad in Sindh

KARACHI:

The police have chalked out elaborate security plans for the mourning month of Muharram and besides deployment of over 5,000 policemen, the top brass of the force have set up a network of the police, the special branch, in the areas marked as sensitive for sectarian strife.

As millions of people prepare to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, Karachi police spokesperson said that at least 5,018 police officers and officials will perform security duties on the routes of the mourning processions and majalis in the city.

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According to the spokesperson, 20 senior officers, 53 DSPs, 832 volunteers of various NGOs, 4,000 head constables and constables and 113 police women will be detailed for Muharram security.

Meanwhile, Karachi Administrator Murtaza Wahab stated that local bodies, city administration and police will work together and all possible facilities will be provided for processions and majalis with assistance of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB), K-Electric and other bodies.

Separately, in a statement issued on Tuesday, the Sindh Solid Waste and Management Board (SWMB) claimed that cleanliness drives have been carried out on all the routes of processions and congregations.

Sensitive areas

The Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mushtaq Ahmed Mahar has directed the special branch and local area police to ensure concrete steps pertaining to the security arrangements on the occasion of Muharram in the potentially sensitive areas.

Chairing a meeting of the top officers of Sindh Police via video link, the top cop of the province issued such directives during a video conference while inspecting the security arrangements for Muharram in Shaheed Benazirabad (SBA) Range.

Meanwhile, in Karachi, the East district has been marked as most sensitive, while the Ashura procession routes in the South district are also on the sensitive list. Security agencies have formulated a special plan for the East district and foolproof security arrangements have been made for Muharram processions, gatherings, and majalis for areas under the limits of 18 police stations.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 11^th, 2021.