LAHORE, Feb 25: Displaying the photographs of the proclaimed offenders inside a police station is not an uncommon sight, but the photos of rioters on huge banners certainly is and a unique experience for Lahorites.

The police have displayed the photos of Feb-14 rioters outside 75 police stations in the city, seeking the public help for getting a clue to them.

“Seeking public help in this manner is unprecedented on the part of the police. It may help identify a few of the rioters but what is more sure is that the move has gathered common people outside a police station, who otherwise prefer to take alternative course to avoid passing in front of it,” says shopkeeper Farooq Ahmad outside the Bhati police station.

“The pictures are worth seeing,” Anas, a college student, says and describes the shots as pictures taken from a movie shoot. “I don’t think police will get any help from the public in this regard. Even a person having any hint about any rioter will not dare to tell police in order to keep himself out of any trouble,” he explains.

He says the law-enforcement agencies should launch a thorough probe to reach the culprits, as displaying their pictures outside the police stations will only invite crowds.

Sources said the main rioters who had set ablaze some assembly chambers and foreign restaurants had already been arrested. By displaying the pictures of the remaining rioters, the government was attempting at mustering public sympathy over the issue, they added.— ZULQERNAIN TAHIR