KOHAT/MANSEHRA: Inspector General of Police, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Nasir Khan Durrani has said that keeping in view the vulnerable security situation across the border in Afghanistan, all surveillance measures have been taken in coordination with the military and civil intelligence agencies to keep peace in the province, particularly on Ashura.

He said five districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat and Tank, were the most sensitive, and added that he would visit all these districts to check their preparedness to ensure smooth passage of Muharram, particularly Ashura.

Talking to journalists on Monday after inspecting the master control rooms established to monitor all the activities, including mourning processions, outside the Rescue 15 centre here, Mr Durrani said in the past some criminal activities took place in Kohat and Hangu. But this year, he added, all issues between the Sunni and Shia sects had been amicably resolved and there were no reservations of any kind on either side.

He took detailed tour of the main bazaar, where three Kohat city imambargahs are located, and reviewed security arrangements at entry points to the worship places. He expressed satisfaction over the precautionary measures taken for protection of mourners.

The IGP also met the elders from both the sects from Hangu and Kohat districts and asked them to keep an eye on extremist elements around them.

Says he will visit the most sensitive districts to check preparedness

He directed the administrations of the two districts to keep similar vigilance after the Ashura to ensure that the reaming days of Muharram passed without any unpleasant incident happening.

The police chief also visited Hangu district where the DPO briefed him about the measures taken to guard the mourning processions and imambargahs.

Meanwhile, police on Monday banned pillion-riding in Mansehra city and its suburb for Ashura.

A police spokesman told reporters that the ban would remain enforced on 9th and 10th of Muharram.

He said entry of Afghan refugees into the city from 7th of Muharram had been banned, adding police contingents would be deployed in and outside imambargahs and nobody would be allowed in except the mourners.

Mr Zeb said police would be backed by security forces to cope with any untoward situation.

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2016