Muharram security plan: In Gilgit, 11 imambargahs declared sensitive

Over 2,000 security officials to be deputed in the town.

GILGIT:

At least 11 imambargahs in Gilgit have been declared “highly sensitive” ahead of Muharram, according to Gilgit-Baltistan Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Ali Sher.

However, to maintain peace, the police is taking effective measures, which include deputing around 2,000 security personnel at key locals, the DIG told reporters the Police Control Room on Tuesday.

“More than 1,400 policemen and 600 Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Scouts will be deployed on sensitive locations to ensure law and order during the month,” the DIG said, adding that Rangers would also be assisting the police in maintaining law and order.

“Gilgit has been divided into four zones with each zone placed under a senior police officer,” Sher said. He said that security personnel will patrol all the main roads of Gilgit and thoroughly search passengers entering into G-B. He said that 27 close circuit cameras have been affixed on the main processions routes to keep a watchful eye.

In order to ensure safe travel on the Karakoram Highway, the DIG said that nearly 430 personnel of the Karakoram Security Task Force have been deployed in Diamer District. In Skardu, the DIG said more than 700 policemen have been deployed who will be assisted by the G-B Scouts.

Bomb disposal squad

The DIG said that a bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs have been sought from the federal government as part of the security plan, which he hoped will be provided before the start of Muharram. Sher said that army will remain on standby to provide assistance as and when required. He added that security in Astore, Ghizer, Nagar have also been beefed-up.

Another important step, he said was the activation of parliamentary peace committees which will meet clerics and other people to forge sectarian harmony. He added that records of all hotels’ are being checked by security agencies, which have also made a list of firebrand clerics to ban their movement.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 14^th, 2012.