Threat of violence: Hate-speech, arms display banned in AJK, Attock

AJK government bans the display of arms and misuse of loudspeakers during Muharram to ensure sectarian harmony.

ATTOCK/ MUZAFFARABAD:

The use and sale of objectionable audio tapes and CDs fanning sectarian hatred has been banned in Attock district by District Coordination Officer (DCO) Muhammad Iqbal.

Any hate-speech inciting violence against any community and display of weapons has been banned unless authorised by the government, he said.

Distribution of hate-filled literature and wall-chalking has also been banned in the district.

Meanwhile, the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has banned the display of arms and ammunition and misuse of loudspeakers during Muharram to ensure sectarian harmony.

This was decided in a high-level meeting headed by AJK Chief Secretary Khyzer Hayat Gondal. It was also decided in the meeting that peace committees comprising of members of the public would work to promote communal harmony.



Similarly, Section 144 has been imposed in Abbottabad under which pillion riding and display of arms has been banned for 30 days and violators will be punished in accordance with the law, said the deputy commissioner of Abbottabad.

Furthermore, the district government has restricted the entry of Afghan refugees and advised them to confine their activities to their homes and avoid going to public places and areas close to imambarghas.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1^st, 2013.