RAWALPINDI: Punjab police have refused to provide additional force to districts to conduct census that is scheduled to begin on March 15.

It was intimated by Inspector General of Police Muhstaq Ahmed Sukhera in a letter to divisional police chiefs, DIG traffic, Special Branch, Punjab Highway Patrol and all city police officers.

The sixth population and housing census 2017 will be conducted in two phases.

In the first phase, the census will be conducted in 15 districts of Punjab from March 15 to April 13, while in the second phase it will be held in 21 districts from April 25 to May 24.

The IGP said in his letter that in view of the prevailing law and order situation and current scenario of terrorism in the province, there was a high-alert situation in each district and Punjab constabulary was also engaged in performing law and order duties and, therefore, it was not possible to provide additional human resources as per the requirement of some districts.

“It is, therefore, directed that security of the census teams may please be ensured by utilising the available resources of the districts to avoid any untoward incident,” the IGP said.

He directed district police officers to hold meetings with elected representatives, district coordination officers, army authorities and other departments concerned to establish liaison and discuss all important aspects for a peaceful and successful conduct of the census.

The IGP also directed the district police chiefs to utilise their own available resources and ensure security of the census teams, in cluster formation supported by the effective utilisation of Police Squad, Quick Response Force and Elite Force teams.

He ordered the police across the province to chalk out foolproof security plan in coordination with the army authorities concerned. For that purpose Punjab Highway Patrol and Traffic police shall assist the district police.

The Special Branch was directed to provide its input regarding threats to the census teams so that security arrangements could be made more foolproof.

Published in Dawn, March 8th, 2017