Security threat: Operations wing told ‘no leaves’

LAHORE:

Operations DIG Tahir Rai on Friday said police officials in the operations wing will not be allowed leaves for at least two months.

A senior Operations official said the police had received intelligence that four suicide bombers had entered Lahore. The potential targets are said to include South Cantt police station and Data Darbar on Shab-i-Baraat (Monday).

The DIG’s office said the decision was taken due to rising crime and "serious terrorist threats" over the coming days. “All Operations wing officers and men will be allowed a holiday a week. In case of an emergency requiring an SHO to leave the station’s precincts, he will have to inform the divisional Operations SP,” said the DIG. Police have undertaken several searches in the city over the past few days, arresting as many as 500 people. These operations will continue over the next few days.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2013.