MANSEHRA, Nov 4: The local administration has banned non-local Shia and Sunni ulema and scholars from entering the district during Muharram.

The ban was slapped after district coordination officer Dr Amber Ali Khan held separate meetings with Shia and Sunni ulema and scholars here at Circuit House.

The DCO told visitors that the administration wanted Muharram to pass off peacefully and that could happen with the cooperation of religious scholars of both sects.

He said the administration would respect its agreement signed with ulema in 1991 for peace during Muharram.

Dr Amber said provocative speech and walk chalking in the district had been banned.

During the meeting, the ulema demanded that the administration strictly enforce the 1991 agreement on Muharram peace in the district.

“We are with the district administration in maintaining peace during Muharram. However, it should stick to its agreement with us. Ashura procession route should be strictly followed,” said Maulana Rafiqueur Rehman Qamar, the head of the district peace committee.

The Shia scholars demanded that they be given the route allotted by the administration in 1990 for Ashura processions.

“We are with the administration and police in maintaining peace in Muharram. However, the administration should give us the same Ashura procession route, which was fixed before 1991,” said Abid Shah, who led Shia ulema and scholars during the meeting.

Mr Shah later told reporters that the DCO had formed a committee headed by him and comprising DPO and two Shia and Sunni scholars each to settle the dispute over the Ashura procession route.