Eid Miladun Nabi: ‘Security arrangements to be made foolproof’

DPO says negligence would not be tolerated.

BAHALWALPUR:

Shahid Hanif, the Bahawalpur regional police officer, said on Saturday that CCTV cameras would be installed to monitor processions on Tuesday. Loud speakers, material used to create religious differences, inflammatory speeches and wall chalking will be strictly prohibited.

Hanif was addressing a meeting to discuss security arrangements. He issued directions to the district police officers to scan processions thoroughly with help from the Special Branch. He also said ‘sensitive’ processions’ progress be recorded on video and that only one entrance and one exit be allowed for naat and milad sessions. Metal detectors would also be installed at the gates.

District Police Officers should hold meetings with peace committees, religious leaders and the traders’ associations, said Hanif.

He added that negligence would not be tolerated, and that DPOs should meet with officers in their charge and keep an eye on religious extremists. He said it was imperative that security arrangements be fool proof.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2014.