KOHAT, Dec 16: Authorities on Thursday closed the Kohat-Hangu highway for an indefinite period for the security of Muharram processions at various places between the two most sensitive districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Kohat Commissioner Khalid Khan Umerzai, who is camping in Hangu to monitor the fragile security situation, gave assurance to the Shia elders that foolproof security would be provided to the mourners' procession, which had been allowed to pass through bazaar after four years despite much opposition by the business community.

Meanwhile mourners' processions were taken out from Sherkot and Chakarkot areas in Kohat on Thursday. Blanket security cover was provided to the processions by heavy contingents of police and gunship helicopters.

Strict security arrangements had been made in Kohat, Hangu, Orakzai Agency and Kurram Agency for the processions, which would continue late on Thursday night and those to be taken out on Friday morning, said the commissioner.

“The situation in Hangu is as usual very sensitive, therefore I am monitoring it myself and am in touch with all the elders to pave the way for a peaceful procession to be taken out from bazaar on Friday,” he said.

The commissioner also met with the parliamentarians in Parachinar who agreed to start fresh negotiations for the peaceful return of internally displaced persons and the safety of Kurram highway.