QUETTA: The DIG of Quetta, Imtiaz Shah, has said that a comprehensive security plan has been prepared for Imambargahs and Ashura processions in the city.

Speaking at a press conference here on Saturday, he said that over 5,000 security personnel, including those from the Frontier Corps and three battalions of army, would be deployed around Imambargahs and along the routes of mourning processions. Three army battalions would remain on stand-by.

Senior police officers aboard two helicopters would monitor the main processions of Muharram 7, 9 and 10, he said, adding that police would keep an eye on the movement of processions and people near them at a control room through CCTV cameras installed at different places.

Around 2,500 policemen and personnel of law-enforcement agencies have already been deployed at 56 Imambargahs and 14 other places where women’s Majalis are held. The IG said that of the 56 Imambargahs, 23 had been declared very sensitive and 29 sensitive.

On the eve of the main processions, he said, their routes would be sealed after strict checking of shops, houses, hotels, restaurants and other buildings. Police and other authorities concerned have conducted a survey of hotels, shops, markets and houses along the routes of the processions.

Mr Shah said that 3,000 policemen would be deployed to provide security to the procession to be taken out on 7th of Muharram.

Published in Dawn, October 18th , 2015

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