PESHAWAR: Police have deployed about 2,400 personnel in the provincial capital to ensure security during Eidul Azha, according to officials.

SSP (operations) Javed Iqbal told journalists that there were 22 cattle markets in Peshawar and a large number of people were out to sell animals along the Ring Road. He said that about 22 teams of bomb disposal unit were on duty to ensure peace in the area.

The official said that Eid congregations would take place at about 217 mosques and Eidgahs in the city and 1,085 personnel would be deployed at such places for security purpose.

He said that Eid fairs would be held at least 21 spots in the provincial capital and plan was chalked out to protection of people there.

Plan chalked out for protection of Eidgahs, imambargahs and fairs

He said that police issued security advisory to all VIPs including ministers and MPAs and policemen would be deployed at their residences as well.

Mr Iqbal said that police would provide double security to all imambargahs. He said that about 2,400 personnel would be deployed for Eid security and 400 of them would man 101 checkpoints, set up throughout the city.

Also a spokesperson for police said in a statement that they had chalked out a plan to ensure peace on during Eid.

The statement said that under the plan 2,400 police personnel would be deployed for the protection of Eidgahs, sensitive mosques, picnic spots, bazaars, bus stands and cattle markets.

It said that crowded areas of the city would be patrolled by sniffer dogs, bomb disposal unit and ladies police officers. The armoured personnel carriers would also patrol the city during the Eid holidays.

Horse mounted policemen and special combat unit personnel would be also deployed at the main bazaars of the city. Police have also set up about 101 special checkposts at entry and exit points to the city to check movement of people.

Policemen in plain clothes have been deployed at cattle markets to keep an eye on fraudsters. Few days ago, video of a sobbing teenager, who was given fake currency notes after selling a sacrificial animal at a cattle market, became viral on social media.

However, the students of Iqra National University collected money to compensate him for the loss.

Traffic police also issued a security plan for Eid. A statement said that traffic wardens would be present on all roads in the city while additional personnel were deputed at cattle markets to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2018