February 25, 2003	Tuesday	Zul Hijjah 23, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 24: Ulema of Shia and Sunni sects have given affidavits to the police special branch, Islamabad, ensuring their cooperation during Muharram, sources told Dawn on Monday.

The staff of special branch had reportedly visited main Imambargahs and mosques in the capital and gave affidavit forms to Ulema.

Ulema have been asked to give their assurance on the affidavits that they would follow the instruction of the special branch.

The affidavits said the organizers of Azadari processions and meetings would not invite those Ulema who were banned from entering the capital.

The Ulema agreed that speeches, provoking sectarian hatred, would not be delivered. They also made assurance in the affidavits that they would not violate section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and avoid misuse of loudspeakers in Imambargahs and mosques.

They have been informed by the personnel of special branch that stern action would be taken against them if they failed to abide by the assurances given in the affidavits. “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.

The special branch also directed the Ulema of both sects to avoid publishing and printing objectionable material like pamphlets, posters and banners, that might hurt the religious sentiments of the people.

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

Meanwhile, security has been tightened in the capital to maintain law and order during Muharram.