Police on high alert for Muharram security

400 religious gatherings held in city

LAHORE:

First Muharram was observed peacefully in the provincial metropolis as comprehensive security arrangements were made by Lahore police for more than 400 religious gatherings and 10 mourning processions held in the city on Sunday.

The security of the city remained on high alert as special check posts had been set up in different areas of the city whereas police officials checked persons and vehicles thoroughly at entry and exit points with e-police checking applications to arrest criminals and avoid any untoward situation.

Lahore CCPO Dogar said a security audit of all the Imam bargahs of the city and routes of Muharram processions had been completed well before time as more than 3,868 religious gatherings would be held and 460 mourning processions brought out during the first 10 days of Muharram.

Comprehensive security, logistics, traffic and evacuation plan had already been finalised for Muharram with a total deployment of more than 10,000 cops for security purposes.

Dogar further said an alternative traffic plan has also been finalised to ensure a smooth flow of traffic to facilitate citizens during Muharram.

Sniffer dogs would be used to check the routes of main processions of Yaoum-eAshur, he added.

Police will use LTE telephone sets to remain in touch and coordinate with each other as mobile phone service will remain suspended in the city on Muharram 10.

There will be a complete ban on pillion riding on Yaoum-e-Ashur to ensure the safety and security of the participants and citizens of Muharram programmes.

All the streets on the routes of the mourning processions and religious gatherings of the first Muharram were sealed with barbed wires, containers and barriers.

The participants were checked under a three-tier security system at entry points of the processions and gatherings through strict security.

Snipers were deputed on the vantage points of Imam bargahs and rooftops of buildings on the routes of the mourning processions.

Community volunteers trained by Lahore police along with police officers and officials performed checking and search duty of the participants.