MANSEHRA: The administration on Wednesday sought the support of Sunni and Shia scholars for maintaining peace in the district during Muharram.

Deputy commissioner Mohammad Zubair told Sunni and Shia clerics in separate meetings here that the administration wanted their support in maintaining peace in Muharram, especially on Ashura, like previous years.

Mr Zubair told meeting of both sects to observe intersect harmony and avoid hate speeches.

He said those delivering hate speeches and disturbing law and order would be dealt with strictly.

Maulana Waqarul Haq Usman and Syed Abid Hussain Shah led Sunni and Shia clerics, respectively. They said the clerics of both sects would help the district administration and police maintain peace during Muharram.

Also in the day, the deputy commissioner and district police officerAbdul Rasheed visited the Mufitabad central imambargah and reviewed security checks for it.

Mr Rasheed directed assistant superintendent of police Arif Javed to ensure high security around imambargahs across the district during Muharram.

The DPO and ASP also attended meetings on the department’s plans for Muharram security.

RAIDS PROTESTED: The people of Mundachucha area of Siren valley have accused the police of raiding their houses. Baseer Awan told reporters here on Wednesday that the illegal raids had exposed the government’s claims about police reforms.

He insisted that dozens of policemen entered the people’s houses at the behest of the district nazim and local MPA.

Flanked by residents of Mundachucha area, Mr Baseer said the police raided the houses of the people, who didn’t vote for the current PML-N MPA in last election.

He said they had filed an application with the SP (investigation) for action against the culpable police officials.

Also in the day, the people from different walks of life on Tuesday staged a rally here to pay homage to the Pakistan Army’s fallen officers and personnel.

The rally began from outside the College Doraha and ended at the Markazi Chowk with the participants shouting slogans for the Pakistan Army and Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2018