Thwarting terror: Security stepped up for Eid Miladun Nabi

Ban imposed on displaying weapons, provocative speeches and pillion riding.

PESHAWAR: Keeping in view the prevailing law and order situation in the province and adjacent tribal belt, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Home and Tribal Affairs department has finalised security arrangements for Eid Miladun Nabi.

Officials said on Sunday the home department is focusing all its efforts on maintaining peace in the province, particularly on religious occasions, adding the department has adopted some extra measures for Eid Miladun Nabi.



These include recording video footage of processions, pre-event arrangements such as combing, sweeping, sharing intelligence reports at all levels and taking precautions against possible attempts of poisoning edibles and drinking water.

Officials said tracking of missing militants and proclaimed offenders has also been stepped up, adding the bomb disposal unit and fire brigades will be prepared to deal with any emergency.

“We want to maintain peace and law and order keeping in view the situation in our province as well as in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas,” said an official requesting anonymity, saying he was not authorised to talk to the media.

He said law enforcement personnel in uniform as well as in plain clothes will be deployed to keep check on anti-state elements and to react to any kind of untoward situation on the occasion.

Security has been beefed up at the city’s entry and exit points from tribal areas. The official further said entry of Afghan refugees into the provincial capital has been barred, adding the ministry has also imposed a ban on displaying weapons, provocative speeches and pillion riding.

“We will not allow anyone to destabilise the peaceful environment,” pledged another official, adding those violating directions will be dealt in accordance with the law.

Earlier on January 3, Secretary Home and Tribal Affairs Syed Akhtar Ali Shah appealed to ulema from all sects, elected members and the public, to extend support to the ministry for maintaining peace during gatherings held for Eid Miladun Nabi.

Commissioners, deputy commissioners, regional police officers and district police officers across the province were also directed to deploy special police squads and commandos. Moreover, municipal corporation officials were told to take special arrangements in this regard.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13^th, 2014.