PESHAWAR, March 2: The local government has declared 15 Imambargahs as sensitive in the city where security would be beefed up during the Muharram-ul-aram, sources in police told Dawn here on Sunday.

The Frontier Constabulary and army would act as back-up forces  in case of any emergency, the sources added.

The government has finalized a plan to maintain law and order during Muharram, and 330 police officials would be engaged for the purpose, throughout the day at 66 Imambargahs in the city. A head-constable and four constables would be deployed in rotation during the month, the sources said.

They said that 15 Imambargahs out of the total 66, had been declared sensitive, while 11 other Imambargahs were also marked as important for security reasons, where extra force would be deputed on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.

The Shia community would bring out 29 mourning processions in the city during the month and the extra police force would provide them security on the roads.

The police department has also cancelled leaves of its personnel and asked them to resume their duties by March 5, the first day of Muharram.

It is for the first time since 1992 that the government is not deputing the FC personnel at Imambargahs and they would be called in case of emergency.

The sources said the prayer-leaders had assured the police to deliver no provocative sermons in Friday prayers. The police had asked the video shop owners to close down their business on 9th and 10th of Muharram.