KOHAT, Jan 20: The government has nominated focal persons in three districts of Kohat division for ensuring quick response to acts of terrorism and decided to devise a strategy for the repatriation of illegal Afghan refugees.

In a meeting chaired by Commissioner, Kohat division, Sahibzada Mohammad Anees here on Friday, deputy inspector general, Kohat, Masood Afridi said that the SSP investigation Kohat, SP investigation Hangu and SP investigation Karak had been appointed as focal persons. He said that their job would be to quickly respond in case of any untoward incident and report to the divisional administration and the provincial government about it.

Mr Afridi asked the citizens, government officials and police that focal persons could be contacted at their telephone numbers round the clock. He expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements made for the coming chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) in Kohat and asked the political and religious leaders to keep an eye on the elements who wanted to disrupt peace.

The chehlum had been rescheduled in Kohat for Sunday next.

During the meeting, the commissioner asked the departments concerned to prepare lists of illegal Afghan refugees and assess the expenses required for their early return to Afghanistan. Additional commissioner, commissionerate of Afghan refugees, a representative of the UNHCR and other relevant officials also attended the meeting.

The commissioner asked the police to refrain from harassing Afghan refugees who were living peacefully and possessed identity cards.

The participants agreed to form a mutual formula for the return of Afghan refugees by allocating cash amount for their transportation and food.

Meanwhile, there is still tension over the wall-chalking of sectarian nature in the city.

The banned Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan in its meeting, held at Kotwali mosque, termed the wall-chalking a conspiracy of terrorists to disturb peace during the chehlum.

They suspected involvement of a third party to create sectarian tension.

In this regard, elders from both the sects had demanded foolproof security of the mourners’ procession, which will pass through the main bazaar. The chehlum would be held in Kohat under a new agreement on weekly off i.e. Sunday.