RAWALPINDI, Feb 23: Troops have been called in to maintain peace during Muharram. Six army units have been deployed and their control room set up in the office of Civil Defence. The army troops will be assisted by 10 reserve police force units, elite force and regular police contingents in their task of ensuring peace in the city.

This was stated by acting district Nazim Raja Javed Ikhlas while presiding over a meeting here on Monday. The meeting reviewed different arrangements in connection with Ashura-i- Muharram.

The meeting was further told that the district government had banned pillion-riding by invoking Section 144. Besides, bomb disposal squad, fire brigade, hospitals, Tehsil Municipal Administration and other departments associated with preparations regarding Muharram have been put on high alert.

These departments would remain on alert till Muharram 10. It was decided at the meeting that peace committees and Mohalla Mohafaz Committees should also be engaged in arrangements.

"They can play a significant role in maintaining peace, the acting Nazim said. Tehsil Nazims were told to strictly ensure compliance of ban on use of loud speakers and wall chalking.

"Anyone found violating this ban should be dealt with sternly," Mr Ikhlas said. The acting Nazim asked the departments to maintain high level of coordination among themselves so that mourners could be fully facilitated.

"Our main objective is to ensure peace during this period," he added. He hoped that arrangements made by the district government would be foolproof and sufficient.

District Coordination Officer Hamid Ali Khan, on this occasion, said the owners of buildings, hotels, houses located on the routes of the Muharram processions had been asked not to provide residence to any unknown person during this period.

He said hotels had been asked to produce complete record of the people already residing with them and issue a certificate in their respect that they do not pose any threat to peace.

District Health Officer Dr Shoaib Khan, while giving briefing with regards to the health department, said emergency wards of the hospitals would remain on alert. Besides, he said, mobile units had also been prepared to provide first aid on the spot. He said required medicines had already been supplied to the hospitals.

Mohammad Asghar adds: District Police Officer Syed Moravat Shah said troops will start patrolling in Rawalpindi from Tuesday to ensure foolproof security during Muharram.