ISLAMABAD, Feb 10: The United Nations and non-governmental organizations engaged in relief operations in the quake affected areas have decided to replace Danish and Norwegian field staff because of security concerns.

The security situation in the affected areas has been reported to be tense over the last week due to protests over blasphemous cartoons published in a Danish newspaper and subsequently in Norway and France.

Demonstrations have been held all over the country demanding the removal of the Danish ambassador. Incidents of flag burning have also occurred.

So far, the demonstrations are peaceful, though rallies in other Islamic countries have been violent.

According to United Nations Joint Logistics Centre, “UNHAS and other organizations have made the decision to replace Danish and Norwegian field staff with those of other nationalities until the situation calms.”

The organizations involved in humanitarian assistance have been particularly worried because of the situation given the large number of Norwegian, Danish and French nationals currently involved in relief work.

The cartoons were first printed by a Danish newspaper in September. Since then, several other western media outlets have published the caricatures, arguing that they are only exercising their right to free speech.

Muslims are outraged because Islam bars any depiction of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).

Meanwhile, authorities have eased up some movement constraints on humanitarian workers in the Batagram area.

Earlier, in December last police escorts were made mandatory for all relief workers. The move had prompted concerns among the humanitarian community as they feared that this could have adverse implications for the relief work.

These escorts are now no longer mandatory on the Karakoram Highway between Chatterplain and Besham and UNDSS is now allowing international UN staff to travel the road from Thakot to Bana. However, overnight stays in Bana are still not permitted.