ISLAMABAD: The capital police have approached the licence branch of the capital administration for details of weapons owned by candidates in the forthcoming local government elections.

Officials in the police said the code of conduct of the elections would be strictly implemented to avoid any untoward incidents during the elections.

The police also collected the details of candidates who have rivalries with each other and were contesting the same seats.

Move aimed at checking armed clashes among rival candidates during forthcoming LG polls

In such constituencies where candidates with old rivalries are contesting the elections, there are chances of clashes between their supporters. These areas included Golra and Bhara Kahu.

The police have also started collecting details of hardcore supporters of such candidates and will summon them to the office of the magistrates concerned to submit surety that they will remain peaceful during the elections.

The police got the details of the arms licences issued to candidates and their supporters. This practice will help the police confiscate the weapons if the circumstances are warranted.

However, senior police officers admitted that a large number of weapons in the rural area of the capital were illegal and did not have licences.

Around 700 polling stations will be set up in the capital for the November 30 elections and approximately 300 of the polling stations are considered highly sensitive, sensitive or ‘hot spots.’

The officials said about 2,000 to 4,000 policemen would be sought from Punjab and Azad Kashmir to strengthen security on the election day.

On the other hand, the transfer/posting of police and district administration officials has been banned after the announcement of the election schedule.

But a senior superintendent of police (SSP) was transferred from Punjab and appointed the assistant inspector general of the police (operation).

When asked, a senior police officer on the condition of anonymity said transfers/postings can be made with permission from the ECP.

The SSP was transferred to the capital a few days ago and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Zulfiqar Haider appointed him as the AIG (operation). The SSP was also given the additional charge of AIG (general).

But the officer said it was not clear if the chief commissioner had obtained permission from the ECP or not.

The chief commissioner could not be contacted for comments on the matter.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2015

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