ISLAMABAD, March 14: Ulema of two main sects have given an affidavit to the special branch of the capital police regarding their cooperation during Muharram, sources told Dawn on Thursday.

The special branch staff on Thursday visited almost all main imambargahs and mosques in the Capital and distributed affidavits among the Ulema for signing to ensure that they would follow their instruction.

The affidavits stated that the organizers of Azadari processions and meetings would not invite those Ulema whose entry had been banned in the city and avoid making provocative speeches and remarks.

The Ulema also assured in the affidavits that they would not violate section 144 and avoid using loudspeakers in imambargahs and mosques.

The special branch officials warned them that stern action would be taken if the assurance made in the affidavits were violated. “The action will be taken under section 188 CrPC,” the source said.

He said Ulema of both sects had been directed to acquire services of private security guards, specially during Azadari meetings, prayers and processions.

They were also asked to avoid publishing and printing of objectionable and provoking material, pamphlets, posters and banners, that might hurt the religious sentiments of the people of other sects.

The security agencies have prohibited the use of roof-tops of all buildings located on the routes of main Azadari processions, that will be taken out from Al-Imam Al-Sadiq Imambargah, G-9/2, Karachi Company, and Markazi Imam Imambargah, G-6/2, on 8 and 9 Muharram, respectively.