Muharram security: ‘6,000 policemen to be deployed in Sargodha’

District admin and police to ensure security, medical aid and other facilities at processions during Muharram.

SARGODHA:

“A comprehensive security plan has been finalised for Muharram,” Commissioner Iqbal Muhammad Chohan said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a meeting to review the security arrangements in Sargodha division, Chohan said control rooms had been set up at district and tehsil level to ensure coordination and quick emergency response.He said the district administration and police would ensure security, cleanliness, availability of light, medical aid and other facilities at processions during Muharram. “Strict action will be taken against those found spreading hatred or making provocative speeches,” he said.

“As many as 3,929 people from various government departments and 3,480 volunteers will be deployed for 1,233 processions in the division,” he said.

“In addition, over 6,000 policemen will be deployed,” he added.

The commissioner said the police had finalised the security plan under which they would work together with other departments to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident. “No one would be allowed to stand on a roof along the route of the main mourning procession,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31^st, 2013.