PESHAWAR: The police have chalked out a comprehensive plan to control the menace of aerial firing on Chand Raat and Eid ul Fitr in the provincial capital and have decided to take strict action against violators.

A senior police officer told APP on Monday that all the sub-divisional police officers (SDPOs) and SHOs have been directed to prevent aerial firing on Chand Raat and Eidul Fitr.

The concerned SDPO and SHO would be held responsible in case of loss of lives on Chand Raat and Eid due to aerial firing, the official added.

According to the plan, the official said that over 6,000 police personnel would perform duties in shifts during Eid days in the provincial capital.

Women policemen and plain clothes police personnel have been positioned to monitor the movement of customers and check aerial firing in different bazaars. He said close circuit cameras have been installed in important places and locations for identification of elements involved in aerial firing.

The official sought the cooperation of media, academicians, ulema and civil society against aerial firing.

He said Islam was a religion of peace and brotherhood whereas aerial firing was against the teachings of Islam as it could result in loss of precious human lives besides spreading fear among people. The ulema have been requested to highlight the issue in Friday congregation, he said.

It is in the society's interest to do away with the menace as it could have devastating effects on the lives of people.

The official said high-ranking police officers have been directed to keep close liaison with people and with social and political organisations to run a campaign against aerial firing in their respective areas so as to raise awareness among the people about the negative effects of the practice.