KOHAT, March 31: The National Crisis Management Cell of the interior ministry has taken a serious note of security lapses at the Kohat tunnel resulting in unchecked movement of criminals and smuggling of arms and drugs. The cell has sent a letter to the chief secretary of the NWFP in this context. The tunnel connects the tribal area of Darra Adamkhel with Kohat on the Indus Highway. The area is famous for manufacturing arms and ammunition, sale of fake currency, drugs, passports, and driving licences.

The strong-worded letter said that the government’s drive to control arms and drug business had been rendered futile because miscreants, arms carriers, outlaws and car snatchers had been allowed to use the tunnel.

The letter sent by the cell’s director of operations also pointed out that close circuit television cameras with zooming facilities installed by the National Highway Authority at the tunnel were being misused by the staff.

He specifically mentioned that the control room staff, instead of keeping an eye on suspicious vehicles and people had been found watching families, particularly female travellers, which was highly irresponsible and immoral and a criminal act.

He asked the NWFP government to control the unchecked smuggling and movement of criminals through the tunnel keeping in view the current unstable situation in the tribal areas which required foolproof arrangements.

He suggested that the tunnel immediately required X-ray machines, explosive detectors and sniffer dogs for detecting drugs and explosives and establishment of posts at appropriate points and increased patrolling by police.

It may be recalled here that earlier the hilly track, which has been replaced by the tunnel, had both the customs and ANF checkpoints.

A considerable number of the Frontier Constabulary force was also deployed there permanently to help the law-enforcement agencies to discharge their sensitive job without any fear.