Muharram security: DC meets delegations of different sects

Both sides pledge to cooperate with police to ensure harmony

HANGU/ PESHAWAR:

The district administration of Peshawar held separate meetings with delegations of different sects on Saturday to discuss security arrangements to ensure peace, religious harmony and cleanliness in the city during the month of Muharram.

Peshawar Deputy Commissioner Syed Zaheerul Islam presided over the meetings and extended his support and cooperation to both sides. The delegation of Shias was led by Sardar Sajjad while a delegation of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat was headed by Maulana Ismail Darwish.

Security dynamic

During individual meetings with the delegations, DC Islam informed participants that wall-chalking and pillion-riding would be banned during Muharram. Moreover, he said law enforcement agencies will be given strict orders to implement the ban on cars with tinted windows and ensure no vehicle without a number plate is seen plying the roads.



The deputy commissioner also briefed the delegations regarding measures taken by the district administration to maintain peace and security during Muharram. He requested both sides to go through the security plans and suggest tangible ways to improve preparations for processions.

Members from both delegations provided the DC with some insight and observations on developing a foolproof security plan. They vowed to ensure that the spirit of religious harmony is not compromised during the month and law and order is maintained.

DC Islam also directed the municipal corporation to make suitable arrangements for Muharram. “Proper arrangements for street lights and cleanliness should be made along the routes of the processions before the month starts,” he added. “Moreover, police personnel should be deployed at various blockades.”

Peshawar Additional Deputy Commissioner Usama Ahmad Warraich, DSP Sahibzada Sajjad and DPS Gul Nawaz Khan were present during the meetings.

Hangu

Hangu’s District Police Officer (DPO) Falak Nawaz Bangash also held a meeting with Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat elders on Saturday to discuss security arrangements during Muharram.

The meeting was held at the DPO’s office amid security concerns during the Muharram processions. Hangu, which borders Kurram and Orakzai agencies, is one of the districts most prone to sectarian conflict and is considered to be a sensitive region during the month of Muharram.

Falak Nawaz insisted it is the prerogative of the people, especially the elders, to restore peace in the region and thwart any untoward incidents during Muharram. He urged the elders not to encourage any anti-social elements or activities in their areas.

“You people have already suffered a lot and made sacrifices to ensure peace. I hope you will continue to stand by the mission of peace in the future,” he added.

Upon this, ASWJ elder Advocate Shabbir Khan pledged to cooperate with the police.

A jirga of Sunni and Shia sects is also working to restore peace and thwart any untoward incidents during Muharram in Hangu.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19^th, 2014.