LAHORE: Police took more than 30 suspected people into custody during a general hold-up in some parts of the provincial capital on Monday in the wake of security threats following execution of six terror suspects in Punjab.

Police continued search and sweep operation in the Cantonment, Civil Lines, Saddar and Iqbal Town divisions. Suspects were held from the Islampura, Kot Lakhpat, Green Town, Sanda, South Cantonment, North Cantonment and Qila Gujjar Singh areas.

Police had established pickets during the hold-up in public places, main roads and markets. They also increased physical search of pedestrians, motorcyclists and commuters.

Police recovered a Kalashnikov, a pump action, two pistols and 68 bullets and impounded six cars, 9,203 motorcycles during the hold-up. Police also seized drugs, 160 grams opium, 1,050 grams heroin and 40 litres of liquor.

Sanda police conducted a search operation in Afghan settlements in their jurisdiction and took 20 suspects into custody, who failed to identify themselves. Police shifted the suspects to some unidentified location.

Model Town SP Baqar Raza talking to Dawn said police released those Afghan nationals and locals who proved their identities. He said they had to release those Afghans who were registered by the federal government.

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2014