Terror threat: Tight security ordered for temples

Officials say that a number of shrines and temples were vulnerable to attacks

LAHORE: Law enforcement agencies were directed on Thursday to tighten security at Hindu and Sikh temples and shrines. A circular issued by the Internal Security Wing of the Ministry of Interior informed police officials that a letter from the Shrines Wing of the Evacuee Trust Property Board reported of regular terrorist threats against Hindu and Sikh religious places. Officials said that a number of shrines and temples were vulnerable to attacks and had routinely featured in terrorist hit lists. The ministry instructed police to ensure fool proof security for minority religious places in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Nankana Sahib. Police officials were also directed to finalise detailed security plans to ensure the safety of Hindu and Sikh pilgrims from foreign countries.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 1^st, 2014.