HYDERABAD, Feb 13: Matiari District Nazim Mohammad Ali Shah Jamote has said that the 263rd annual Urs of Sufi saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai will be observed in a far more befitting manner than previous years for which elaborate arrangements are being made.

He was speaking at a meeting at Bhitshah rest house, which reviewed arrangements for the Urs.

He said that the renovation of the shrine, Bhitshah rest house and cultural hall should be completed in all respects by February 28.

He said that the Sindh government would declare public holiday throughout the province on the first day of the Urs and the district government would declare holiday in the district on the last day of the Urs.

Speaking on the occasion, DCO Dr Mohammad Usman Chachar directed the officials to make adequate arrangements of water and power supply, healthcare and telephone system to ensure facilities to the devotees of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai.

DPO Javed Alam Odho informed the meeting that fool-proof arrangements would be made during the Urs celebrations and said that 1500 policemen would be deployed on the occasion.

He said close circuit cameras would be installed at important places to monitor the activities of the people and 10 ‘Madadgar centres’ (police help line) would be set up to provide timely assistance to the people.