15 February 2005	Tuesday	05 Muharram 1426

PESHAWAR, Feb 14: The Tehreek Nifaz Fiqah-i-Jafaria, Pakistan, has urged the government to make foolproof security arrangements during the month of Muharram so that the Shia community could observe its Izadari with reverence and in a peaceful atmosphere.

Speaking at a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club on Monday, Chairman of TNFJ's Political Cell Iqbal Javed Haideri said it was the duty of every Muslim to foil the nefarious designs of the enemies of Islam and Pakistan in the larger interest of the Muslim Ummah.

The TNFJ wanted to get the 'Junejo-Moosvi Accord' of 1985 implemented as it was the only way 'which cements harmony among all sects', he added. He underlined the need for setting up mourning cells under joint supervision of federal and provincial governments to avoid any mishap during the Muharram congregations and processions.

He said the cells should have a close link with the Muharram committees and remain in place till the 8th of Rabi al-Awal to foil terrorist activities. He demanded that the government make the electronic and print media bound to telecast programmes, and print material, promoting tolerance and religious harmony in society.

He also called for setting up police pickets in sensitive parts of the provincial capital. "No person should be allowed to take law in his own hands. Literature provoking the followers of one sect against another should be seized and terrorism crushed with an iron hand," he said.

The TNFJ leader said the elements fanning hatred in the name of sects and creeds in the Muslim fraternity must be dealt with sternly. The Anti-Terrorism Act should be enforced in letter and in spirit, he demanded.

The government should not tinker with the fixed and already settled routes of processions and should instead protect the life and property of mourners, he said. He urged political leaders to postpone all their political engagements during the 10 days of Muharram and work for religious harmony in the country.