KOHAT, Feb 24: The inspector-general of the NWFP police, Mohammad Raffat Pasha, who is touring the sensitive districts of the province, on Tuesday reviewed security arrangements made in Kohat and Hangu during Muharram. He was briefed at the police club about the steps taken in the two districts for maintaining peace during Muharram.

District Police Officer Abid Ali, who holds the charge for both the districts, told the provincial police chief that elders from thetwo communities had been asked to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace. He said the elders had been asked to discourage the elements that wanted to disrupt normalcy for their ulterior motives.

He said several jirgas were held in this regard, where the elders assured the authorities of their cooperation. He said several peace committees comprising people from both the communities had been formed for starting collective efforts for maintaining harmony and peace in the region.

He said the police had been put on high alert and the Frontier Constabulary was patrolling the area round the clock. He said police had been deployed at all the imambargahs and gathering of more than five people banned under Section 144, except for the mourners.

He said pillion riding had been banned and many people violating the ban sent to jail for 24 hours. He appealed to the people to remain vigilant and cooperate with the police.