PESHAWAR: Muharram Committee Azadari Cell’s provincial convener Maulana Ijlal Haider al-Haideri has expressed dissatisfaction over the security measures taken by police for Muharram and demanded deployment of army in the most sensitive districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to ensure protection of mourning processions and take timely action in case of any threat.

Speaking at a press conference at Peshawar Press Club on Thursday, he said that the situation was precarious in different districts and asked the government to seek support of the Pakistan Army to maintain peace during Muharram in the province.

“We demand deployment of army in the most sensitive districts like Peshawar, Kohat, Hangu, Parachinar and DI Khan for maintaining law and order during Muharram,” he said and added that the government should take all possible measures for the protection of mourning processions.

Flanked by Syed Zahir Ali, Allama Khurshid Jawadi and Abdul Hassan Qazalbash, the Azadari cell convener demanded enforcement of the 17-point code of Azadari. He said that the relevant officials were in constant touch with the Shia leaders, but they were using delaying tactics to issue notification regarding setting up of Muharram control room.

Azadari cell says protection of mourners must be ensured

Explaining salient features of TNFJ Azadari code, Maulana Haideri said that the local administration and law enforcement agencies should abide by the agreements of mourning procession, saying that Azadari cells should be established across the country. He also called for strict implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Act and National Action Plan. He demanded uninterrupted supply of electricity during Muharram.

Expressing concern over unnecessary interrogation and confinement of religious leaders under the fourth schedule law, Maulana Haideri called for exclusion of all pro-government religious leaders under the law. He made it clear that any restriction on mourning processions would be unacceptable to the community.

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2016