Punjab Police will use ‘man-pack’ jammers for the first time to protect Muharram processions and majalis to disable remote-controlled explosive devices, officials aware of the arrangement say.
The Special Brach has procured 14 jammers for the purpose, a police officer said requesting anonymity.
He said four to six jammers had been reserved for majalis being held in the city. He said officials wearing the jackets carrying jammers would walk along the processions. The jammers will disrupt signals of all devices such as improvised explosive devices, car locks and cell phones.
The arrangement is in addition to government’s decision to suspend cellular phone service in certain areas on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.
Special Branch Senior Superintendent (SSP) Abdul Ghaffar said, however, he was not aware whether these would be used on Ashura.
“I have assumed the charge recently. I have no knowledge if police are going to use this technology,” the SSP told The Express Tribune.
Heli-cams
Police have also decided to procure 40 heli-cams after Muharram to improve security across the province, said an officer who did not wish to be named because he is not authorised to talk to the press.
He said the heli-cams would be used in place of helicopters for aerial monitoring.
“Police have to arrange helicopters for security purposes on occasions like Ashura. These cost a lot. Heli-cams are more convenient and can be operated in areas where the movement of helicopters is not possible.”
The officer said the use of heli-cams by the media had proven the technology. Sargodha police were the first to use heli-cams.
Regional Police Officer (RPO) Ahmad Ishaq Jehangir said police had been using the technology in Sargodha for a month. He said the district police had also purchased a heli-cam for Mianwali.
“A heli-cam is a multi-purpose device. We have used them to monitor political gatherings. It is quite affordable.”
However, Jehangir said heli-cams would not be used to monitor Muharram processions. The RPO said the technology would help in future reconnaissance missions.
“A heli-cam might be used to gather information about suspects before raiding a premises. The technology will help reduce threats to lives of police officials against terrorists,” Jehangir said.
Logistics AIG Sharik Kamal said police in some districts had already acquired heli- cams.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2014.
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