12 May 2004	Wednesday	21 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1425

KARACHI, May 11: Army troops will hold flag marches in different parts of the city on Wednesday, and 12,000 police personnel with 2,500 Rangers and 2,000 private security guards will be deployed at sensitive places to ensure peaceful polling in by-elections.

Out of 701 polling stations, 376 have been declared most sensitive, 277 sensitive and remaining 48 normal by the police. Four Pakistan Army companies - each comprises 120 soldiers - would be on standby and only hold flag marches on different roads in eight towns.

One company would hold a flag-march in Gulberg, Liaquatabad and New Karachi towns, the second in Baldia Town, third company in SITE and Keamari towns and the fourth in Malir and Gadap towns, a senior official of a law enforcement agency said.

He said 2,500-3,000 Rangers would be deployed at sensitive and most sensitive areas to assist the police. About police deployment, DIG Operations Tariq Jamil told Dawn that the bulk of political activities would be held in eight towns - Liaquatabad, Gulberg, New Karachi, Baldia, SITE, Keamari, Malir and Gadap.

Some parts of Orangi Town, Shah Faisal Colony, Gulshan and Bin Qasim towns also had one or two polling stations where security would be provided.

"We have called additional force from Shahdadpur, Saeedabad and Razzakabad training centres and the investigation branch. The Sindh Reserve Police (SRP) personnel will also take part in the security operations. Policemen in 145 vans and on 168 motorcycles would patrol the city streets throughout the day," he added.

The DIG said that an official of the DSP or ASP rank had been posted at each of the 18 police stations to deal with the security situation. The official would be assisted by the area SHO.

The DIG said that complaint cells at all the 18 police stations would also be established. Telephone numbers of these cells would be given to presiding officers of all the polling stations so that they could contact them in case of any eventuality.

A force comprising one sub-inspector and 12 constables would be deployed at each of the most sensitive polling stations, an ASI with eight constables at each sensitive polling station and an ASI with six constables at each normal polling station.

Besides, 2,000 security guards would also be deployed under the police command, who would help people form queue and assist the police. The DIG said that areas were declared sensitive and most sensitive after the record of previous elections in these areas were analyzed and on fears expressed by candidates in addition to police reports that a law and order situation could create.

"We have tried to take elaborate security arrangements so that by-elections could be held in a peaceful manner," he added. The DIG said that flag marches of police would continue throughout the day in towns where elections were to be held.

He said: "We have provided two police guards to each of the 37 candidates contesting in the by-elections. Some of them have returned the guards. We will provide candidates an escort on polling day."