Security plan for Muharram finalised

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi district administration and police have approved a new security plan for Muharram after holding a joint meeting with religious figures and the management of Imambargahs.

Under the plan, comprehensive security will be put in place for 110 Imambargahs in the district. Mourning majalis will begin from July 30.

The Rawalpindi district administration has banned 112 firebrand clerics belonging to various schools of thought from entering the district during the month of Muharram. Interestingly, the list also contains names of certain deceased zakirs and scholars.

As part of the security plan, around 3,500 police personnel along with Rangers and volunteers will be deployed on procession routes during Muharram, especially on the 9th and 10th of Ashura.

Sources said that the foolproof security of Imambargahs across the district has been chalked out for the peaceful culmination of Muharram processions. Under the plan, Rangers have also been called to assist the police while the army will remain on red alert from the 7th to the 10th of Muharram.

Aerial surveillance of the mourning processions will also be carried out via helicopters.
Under the security plan, drone coverage of mourning processions has been banned.

During the Ashura processions, residents will not be allowed on rooftops, balconies, plazas and houses.
The district administration has also banned collecting bricks on roofs of houses on both sides of procession routes. Under the security plan, no one will be allowed to carry matches and lighters during the Muharram processions.

People will use walk-through gates to join mourning processions while all streets along the routes of the processions will be sealed with barbed wire.
Central roads will also be sealed with containers and trolleys.

The use of loudspeakers will be prohibited in mosques except for the Azan during Muharram. Mobile phone and internet service will remain closed from 8 am to midnight on Ashura.

Ulema to be consulted

Rawalpindi police have decided to take all schools of thought on board to maintain the law and order situation during Muharram.
It has also been decided to seek the services of district peace committees to ensure peace during the holy month.

It has also been decided to take the business community into confidence regarding security arrangements.

A code of conduct will be issued in consultation with scholars of all schools of thought to ensure peace during Muharram.

The management of all mosques and Imambargahs will be taken into confidence for the safe culmination of processions during Muharrum.

City Police Officer Shehzad Nadeem Bukhari said that the Rawalpindi district will be made an example for religious peace and harmony.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 26^th, 2022.