RAWALPINDI, Feb 26: The district administration on Thursday imposed section 144 and banned the assembly of more than four persons at public places, delivery of inflammatory speeches and chanting of slogans against any sect.

However, offering of prayers and bringing out Muharram processions on certain routes are exempted. The clerics have also been stopped from delivering speeches over loudspeakers except the text of sermon in Arabic and call for prayers, the order states. It adds that the ban on the use of loudspeakers would also remain in effect.

The order has also banned wall-chalking and distribution of sectarian literature. Under a separate order, the district administration has prohibited pillion-riding in the revenue limits of the district except for the children of below 12 years of age, women, elderly persons, police and army men in uniform.

Similarly, display of arms has been forbidden. Gazetted officers, government functionaries and security guards in uniform have been exempted. Meanwhile, the acting district Nazim, Raja Javed Ikhlas, while speaking at a meeting of ulema, urged them to promote peace and harmony in the district during the month of Muharram.

He said maintaining peace during Muharram was the collective responsibility of the government and the religious leaders and both should work together to prevent the subversive elements from fulfilling their nefarious designs.

He also urged them that they should ask their followers to cooperate with the local administration in making arrangements for maintaining peace during Muharram. Provincial minister Aslam Iqbal said the ulema, in their private gatherings, should also preach peace and tolerance.