LAHORE, Dec 28: Around 1,000 policemen in plainclothes will present in the processions and majalis to be held between 7 and 10 Muharram for active vigilance.

Two officials of the bomb disposal squad will cover each procession and majlis during 9th and 10th Muharram.

All divisional SPs have been directed to maintain a close liaison with the management of mosques and imambargahs, social organizations and notables of the area besides members of peace committees and extend them all possible cooperation for security.

This was stated by Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Chaudhry Shafiq Ahmed during a meeting of divisional SPs held to review the security arrangements for majalis and processions of Muharram here on Sunday. The SSP said that the SP concerned would address immediately any complaint received from the managements of mosque/imambargah.

He appealed to the managers of majalis to allow the entry of people into the religious places after a thorough checking with metal detectors.

Mr Ahmed further said that parking places be set up at least 100 yards away from the venue of majalis and barbed wires and guards be deployed for complete checking of vehicles. The SSP directed the police that permission of loudspeakers be granted to imambargahs having held majalis last year.

He further ordered to prepare a plan for deploying lady constables at the women majalis.

He also directed the SPs to launch an advance search operation in the localities of Afghans, katchi abadis and gypsies and ensure that no suspected people and foreigners were staying there. Mr Ahmed asked them to check hotels, guest houses and inns on a daily basis and ensure the entry of guests in the registers.

He directed the SP (Security) and the SP (Mujahid) to deploy fresh constables at the railway station, lorry adda, bus stands and all entry and exit points of the city and equip them with bulletproof jackets, latest weapons and metal detectors.

He said anybody interested in seeking information about any mosque, imambargah or other information could contact at the phone number (9211568) during Muharram days.