ISLAMABAD: The capital police requested Islamabad Chief Commisioner to detain three Ulema for next the four days under Section 3 of the MPO (Maintenance of Public Order-Power to arrest and detain suspected persons) here on Saturday, officials of capital administration and police told Dawn.

The officials said that two of the Ulema are from the Sunni sect while one is Shia. The three Ulema are considered to be a threat to peace during Muharram as it is feared that they may incite disturbance of law and order.

“Reply from the chief commissioner office is awaited,” the officials said, adding that in the past the administration has replied positively to such requests.

Shortly after issuance of the notification from commissioner office the Ulema will be detained in their homes, they said, adding that preparations in this regard are already complete.

When asked about the identities of the Ulema, the officials chose not to respond explaining that they may get news and escape prior to their detention.

Similarly, the capital police also requested the commissioner office to include 16 Ulema in the list of 4th schedule of Anti-Terrorism Act, under which these people are bond to report their presence to the police stations in their area on a weekly bases and inform them of their activates.

Earlier, 23 Ulema, residing in the capital were included in the list as they were considered threats to law and order situation, besides, inciting people against the other sects, they added.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2014