PARACHINAR: The security forces have declared several localities of Parachinar “red zone” in the wake of recent terror incidents in the town that left several people dead and wounded.

Kurram Militia, a wing of tFrontier Corps, informed people through pamphlets on Monday that central Imam Bargah, Punjabi Bazaar, Hazara Colony and its adjacent commercial and residential areas had been included in the red zone.

Security in the red zone would be responsibility of the law enforcement agencies and residents have been asked to cooperate with the paramilitary forces and Levies personnel during body search, checking of vehicles and verification of identity.

The latest step was taken following car bomb attack near Imam Bargah in the town on March 31. The explosion killed 22 people and caused injuries to around 100 people.

Earlier, a bomb went off in the vegetable market in January that killed 28 people and wounded 300 people.

The administration has already started digging deep trenches to prevent entry of people through unfrequented routes.

Parachinar, housing less than 100,000 population, is administrative headquarters of Kurram Agency. Security forces have already set up more than a dozen checkposts and checkpoints in and around the town.

The pamphlet said that entry of all types of vehicles was banned in red zone except the residents of the area. The residents of the area would be issued special entry passes to facilitate their movement.

Similarly, shopkeepers will be allowed to transport goods to the red zone after 6pm.

The shopkeeper concerned would provide surety bond. There will be complete ban on the display of weapons in the red zone. It is worth mentioning that ban on display of weapons had been placed one decade ago.

Published in Dawn, April 11th, 2017