19 February 2004	Thursday	27 Zilhaj 1424

PESHAWAR, Feb 18: Inspector-General of the NWFP Police Mohammed Riffat Pasha has appealed to religious leaders to help the police in maintaining peace during the coming month of Muharram.

Talking to an 11-member delegation of the Imamia Jirga of Majlis-i-Amal, NWFP, at the Central Police Office, the provincial police chief said that foolproof security arrangements had been made for the peaceful observance of Muharram and warned that miscreants would be dealt with an iron hand, says an official statement issued here on Wednesday.

The IGP assured the delegation that the police would provide full protection to all authorised Muharram processions in the province. He appealed to the Ulema to highlight the spirit of unity, brotherhood, peace and tolerance in their sermons.

He said Islam was a religion of peace and love and it was incumbent upon religious scholars to realize their responsibility and observe religious rituals and festivals in a peaceful manner.

The IGP assured the delegation that a congenial atmosphere would be created so that the people could perform their religious obligations in the best possible manner.

The IGP also made it clear that those wanted to take the law into their hands would be dealt with an iron hand, and asked the people if they came across any suspect person or things they should promptly bring it into the police notice.

The delegation, led by Sardar Sajjad Hussain Zahid, expressed satisfaction over the arrangements and steps taken to ensure peace in Muharram. Sardar Zahid also held out the assurance that the Imamia Jirga would extend cooperation to the government and would not resort to provocative speeches.