KOHAT, Feb 11: The secretary-general of Tehrik Nifaz Fiqa Jafria Pakistan, Syed Mazhar Ali Shah, has criticized the ban on the entry of the Muharram committee into Hangu to sympathize with the families of the victims of violence in the city.

Speaking at a press conference here on Saturday, the committee’s convener Dr Iqbal Javed also demanded that the government should hold an independent inquiry into the incident and punish those involved without considering their political and religious affiliations.

He emphasized that the inquiry commission’s report should be made public.

He said the city’s control should be handed over to the army till the completion of the investigation. He alleged that a banned organization was part of the provincial government.

He termed the Hangu incident an act of terrorism aimed at spreading sectarian tension.

He requested the government to provide equal medical and monetary help to all the victims.

He expressed the hope that all peace loving parties and groups would make efforts to foil the conspiracies of those trying to give the Hangu incident a sectarian colour.

Mr Shah asked army to remain in the area till Rabiul Awwal 8 and take strict security measures for the chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS).