KOHAT, Sept 2 Authorities beefed up security in the district by deploying 1,500 extra policemen at sensitive places, sources said.

A large number of policemen were deployed at the Khushalgarh bridge, which serves as the only link with Rawalpindi of southern districts of the NWFP.

The administration established several checkposts on routes to the Kohat Tunnel and the Khushalgarh bridge.

Security around high profile people has also been increased in the wake of the deteriorating law and order situation in Darra Adamkhel and the region between Kohat and Parachinar.

The Kohat-Parachinar road has been closed for eight months and the Kohat-Peshawar road through the Kohat Tunnel for four days.

District Police Officer Abdullah Khan told journalists on Tuesday that extraordinary measures were being taken during Ramazan to protect the lives and properties of people.

Entrances to Kohat have been sealed and no vehicle or individual is allowed to enter the district without checking. Commandoes, anti-terrorists force and the quick response force have also been deployed at sensitive places.

A meeting with elders of the Shia sect of Kohat was also held to take them into confidence about security arrangements for protection of imambargahs and individuals whose lives were under threat by outlaws.

The meeting was attended by Sher Khan Tori, Amjid Karbalai, Amjid Ali Shah, Moharram Ali Shah and other prominent clerics and elders.

Special security arrangements have been made for women in bazaars and policewomen have been deployed for their safety.

Meanwhile, District Nazim Gohar Saifullah Khan approved a civil dispensary and ordered upgradation of the Gandiali Primary School to middle level on Tuesday.

He was speaking at a gathering while inaugurating a one kilometre road in the Gandiali village of the Bilitang Union Council.

Bilitang UC Nazim Misbahud Din, on this occasion, announced a special grant of Rs200,000 for development of the area.