PESHAWAR, Dec 10: The Imamia Students Organisation (ISO) has demanded of the government to open all routes heading to Parachinar and also asked for release of the mourners arrested from D.I. Khan.

The ISO leaders warned that if the government failed to meet the demands they would be forced to announce long march on Islamabad in protest.

Speaking at a press conference at Peshawar press club on Friday, ISO central vice president Hassan Raza Nadvi said the government had closed the routes of procession by neglecting its responsibility.

He said mourners were also forced to shorten routes of processions in D.I. Khan, Hangu, Peshawar and rest of the province due to security reasons. He said it was duty of the government to ensure protection to the mourners.

The ISO leader alleged that the government had created hatred and rift among the Suni and Shia ulema on the pretext of security arrangement, adding, the holy month of Muharram preaches harmony and brotherhood.

Mr Nadvi demanded of the government to take steps for restoration of routine life in Peshawar as the city was presenting a curfew-like situation in wake of unprecedented security measures. Owing to closure of markets and bazaars, he said, business activities had been adversely affected.

The ISO leader also asked the government to remove all obstructions and hurdles from the routes of the mourners' processions in D.I. Khan.

Similarly, he asked the local administration to share security plan, strategy with Shia ulema so that the issues could be resolved without creating any troubles for the public. He also opposed ban on entry of Shia ulema in different cities.