As Eid approaches, residents fear security

Absence of police personnel in cattle markets is posing a security threat to customers

PESHAWAR:

With Eidul Azha around the corner, cattle markets in the provincial capital can be seen jam-packed with customers. However, the absence of police personnel in these markets is posing a security threat to customers, it has been learnt.

A visit to different cattle markets of Peshawar revealed that the police officials are yet to be deployed in these markets, even when the sale of cattle is in full swing.

“I visited the markets set up in Kohati, Ring Road and Nasirpur and found no security officials there,” Muhammad Zubair, a local, told The Express Tribune on Saturday.

“People mostly visit the markets at night and there is no security check at the entrance, which a matter of grave concern,” he added.

Shahzad, another local, expressed his fear that the absence of security provided a golden opportunity for militants to enter the congested market by posing as customers and create a law and order situation.

“Peshawar is a sensitive area which has witnessed several acts of violence in the past and the absence of police in such a crowded place is a serious matter,” said Gul Rehman, a customer at the market.

“The police should tighten the security in the entire city to avoid any untoward incident during Eid holidays,” he added.

Similarly, Aftab Alam, who visited the cattle market in Namak Mandi, said that even though police are deployed outside the market, “they are like decoration pieces as they do not search anyone.”

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Tahir Ayub, when contacted, had a different story to tell. He claimed that ‘strict’ security measures had been taken in the provincial metropolis on the occasion of Eidul Azha.

He elaborated that additional police personnel have been deployed at all entry and exit points of the city and at various commercial areas. However, he did not give the exact figure of police officers deployed in the city.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2011.