JHANG: Muharram’s mourning period is an extraordinary event for the district and police administrations because of the sectarian violence-filled history of Jhang.

This year too, extraordinary security arrangements have been done for Muharram 5, 7 and 10 processions and majalis.

There is a state of emergency in the district.

Security for processions is being monitored by the Federal Interior Ministry and Provincial Home Department, officials say.

On Muharram 5, three processions, of 21, and 18 majalis, of 189, were declared top sensitive.

Similarly, on Muharram 7, security will be on high alert for five processions and 20 majalis. Ashur day has 41, out of 240 processions, sensitive and the similar status is for five majalis, out of 150.

A meeting of district intelligence and peace committees reviewed arrangements where it was said that emergency control rooms had been established at deputy commissioner and assistant commissioners’ offices for coordination with other departments.

Health and rescue department will remain present along procession to provide first aid and to meet any eventuality.

The meeting learned police force would perform their duties to maintain peace throughout the district and no negligence would be tolerated.

Special branch of law-enforcement agencies personal would keep vigilant eye on miscreants and CCVT cameras have also been installed in all sensitive areas.

Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2017