TAXILA: The police will guard 167 processions and 798 majalis in the Attock district in Muharram, the district police officer (DPO) said on Wednesday.

DPO Hassan Asad Alvi told the press in Hassanabdal that the district police would ensure foolproof security at majalis and processions and no one will be allowed to violate the code of conduct during the month of Muharram.

Among these 167 processions are 32 highly sensitive ones placed in category A, 29 in category B and 190 in category C.

There are a 190 majalis in category A, he added, 41 in category B and 567 in category C.

Mr Alvi said a comprehensive security plan will be implemented with the coordination of all the concerned departments as well as religious scholars and leaders.

A control room will be set up at the district police headquarters that will monitor Muharram security round-the-clock.

Intelligence cells will be set up at all 13 police stations in the district to collect intelligence pertaining to the sectarian situation, which will submit daily reports to the district headquarters.

In response to a question, Mr Alvi said the district police have finalised a plan to maintain law and order during the Ashura processions while army personnel will be on standby to cope with any untoward incident.

Nearly 3,500 police officials have been deployed across the district during the month, while five deputy superintendents of police, 10 station house officers, 180 sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors, 119 head constables, 1,100 constables, 20 lady constables, Elite Force personnel and more than 640 volunteers will ensure security at the Ashura processions.

People will not be allowed to watch the processions from rooftops, vehicles and the display of firearms will not be allowed within 100 yards of imambargahs or processions, and traditional procession routes will not be changed or extended.

Organisers of processions and majalis have been asked to arrange metal detectors and walk-through gates.

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2018