HARIPUR: Eight activists of the banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan were released from the central jail here, sources said on Monday evening.

They claimed that rest of the over 50 activists held under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order ordinance would be freed today (Tuesday).

The sources said the release of detainees came after they produced affidavits declaring that they won’t take part in violent protests in future.

They said the release orders were issued by the office of the deputy commissioner.

The police had held 57 TLP activists in different parts of the district under 3 MPO following the countrywide violent protests on April 12 and 13 against the arrest of their party leader, Allama Saad Rizvi.

They staged street protests and blocked the GT Road and Hazara Motorway.

Meanwhile, regional police officer of Hazara Mirvais Niaz has ordered strict action against the violators of standard operating procedures for coronavirus control.

He told reporters here on Monday that district police officers in Hazara division had been told to ensure that the people don’t go shopping without wearing face mask. The RPO ordered the strict enforcement of SOPs in markets and filling stations.

“Leniency on part of police won’t be tolerated as the government is committed to protecting the people from the virus in the raging third wave,” he said.

He said the SHOs would make announcements about prevention of gatherings of five people and use of face mask by market visitors.

The RPO said hairdressers would use protective kits, while filling stations would sell petrol and diesel to only those wearing mask.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2021