A tale of two GORs

LAHORE: Security arrangements in GOR-II and III are inadequate, the residents of the localities complained while talking to The Express Tribune.

They said that incidents of theft and mobile snatching were common as there were no police pickets at the entry and exit points and no way to identify the visitors.

On the other hand, the security at GOR-I, where district management group (DMG), police, judicial officers and politicians reside, is very tight. No one is allowed entry without identification.

Ahmed Ali, a GOR-II resident, said that a single constable was deployed at the entry and exit points, “He does not bother to ask people to identify themselves before letting them enter the area.” He said that the security guard does not keep a record of the vehicles entering and leaving the colony. Ali said that owing to the poor security arrangements, petty criminals got away with crimes like stealing utility meters and snatching mobile phones or cash from unsuspecting residents and guests.

Another concern, he mentioned, was the beggars who easily made their way in and badgered the residents. “Every now and then there’s a beggar ringing the door bell,” he said.

Another resident said that it had become impossible to walk through the streets as boys from surrounding areas were always playing cricket or racing on their motorbikes and cars. He said that the residents had time and again approached the Communication and Works (C&W) secretary and requested him to construct speed breakers and set up barriers to discourage the motor bikers and car drivers from speeding. He said that they caused severe inconvenience on public holidays such as Eid and Independence Day.

Muhammad Usman, a GOR-III resident, also raised similar concerns. He said that only one police constable manned the entry and exit points despite repeated requests by the residents to the additional chief secretary to enhance security for the locality.

In comparison, he said, eight police pickets had been set up at the entry and exit points in GOR-I. “They do not let anyone enter without proper identification,” he said. In addition, he said, more than 50 police posses were deployed at the houses of the high ranking officials in GOR-I. Each of the police posses have at least five men, he added. Ahmed Aziz Tarar, the S&GAD additional secretary (welfare), admitted that the security arrangements at GOR-II and III were inadequate. He said that he had requested the Lahore commissioner and the CCPO to look into the matter.

There are about 161 bungalows in GOR-I most of which are occupied by top political, civil, police and judicial officers of the province. About 165 officers, from Grade 18 to Grade 21, reside in GOR-II and more than 400 in GOR-III.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 22^nd, 2010.