CHAKWAL, Nov 7: The Chakwal police have banned the entry of fifty clerics in the district to maintain peace during Muharram, the police said.

These religious leaders, who belong to different sects, have been put on Schedule 4 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).

“The Majalis (congregations) would be video taped and monitored by personnel of security forces,” said District Police Officer (DPO) Dr Moeen Masood while talking to Dawn.

He added that three companies of Army and one company of Rangers would assist police to maintain peace while 800 police personnel would be deployed.

In Chakwal, 833 Majalis would be held in addition to 242 processions. Seventeen of these processions fall in A-Category (sensitive) while 13 are in B-Category (less sensitive).

The DPO added that metal detectors, walkthrough gates and cameras would be installed at entrances of processions and congregations.

Meanwhile, District Coordination Officer (DCO) Yawar Hussain has imposed Section 144 in the district till Muharram 10. According to an order he issued, pillion riding would be banned in the district from Muharram 4 to 10. However, personnel of security forces would be exempted from this ban.

The DCO also banned the misuse of loudspeakers. According to law, only prayer calls and sermons of Friday and Eid can be delivered on loudspeakers but this law is being violated in Chakwal particularly in the rural areas.

Furthermore, the display of weapons has also been banned, and strict action would be taken against anyone who takes out unlicensed processions.