RAWALPINDI:  Punjab Home Department has requested the army headquarters to provide a Puma helicopter for transportation of Quick Response Force (QRF) in case there is violence during Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) to be observed on December 16, an official source said.

The city remained peaceful during Muharram and the government intends to use the same security strategy used on Ashura, observed a few weeks ago. Divisional police chiefs have been asked to strictly follow security guidelines.

Regional Police Officer Akhtar Umar Hayat Laleka told Dawn: “Requesting for a helicopter is a routine practice which was also exercised on Ashura. It helps police in keeping a vigilant eye on processions and to quickly move police force in case of an emergency situation.”

Additionally, the home department has instructed police to keep audio recording of speeches made by firebrand clerics and CCTV coverage of the Chehlum processions.

The audio recordings will help take legal action against such clerics while video recordings can be used by intelligence and police to identify criminal elements that can enter the procession and create trouble.

Citing threat alerts, the home department hinted that due to military operation Zarb-i-Azb the capacity of militants to carry out terrorist activities has been affected badly so they are expected to try to disturb religious harmony to achieve their heinous designs.

The home department also directed the police to take extra security measures to ensure the safety of Shia community, Ulema and Imambargahs.

 Additionally, police have been directed to strictly impose ban on loudspeakers, wall chalking, spreading hate material, hatred speeches, display of weapons and firing in the air. They were also told to ensure that procession routes are followed strictly.

Police have also been told to ensure that if there are local disputes between different sects they should be resolved before Chehlum. All station house officers have been told to obtain fresh written certificates of satisfactory security arrangements from organisers of processions and majalis.

Similarly, four tiers of security cover around Chehlum processions will be laid to ensure safety of participants.

 As part of tightened security, mobile phone service jammers and explosive jammers have been installed along the routes of processions. Organisers have been instructed to ensure that all processions end before sunset.

Hotels and inns located along the route of processions and near the venue of majalis are being monitored and combed to check miscreants. Police have been told to remain highly vigilant.

The police chiefs were also directed to ensure peaceful dispersal of Chehlum procession on the given time (settled between the organisers and police).  

The provincial authorities directed the police to constitute core management teams at police station level to ensure peace. The core management teams should comprise representatives of district administration, police, notables and public representatives.

 The authorities also asked the district administration and police chiefs to summon and warn religious leaders who usually deliver or are expected to deliver objectionable speeches during Muharram processions.

Police were also directed to take appropriate legal action against these religious leaders if their warnings are ignored.

The district police chiefs of Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal have been directed to make fresh contingency plans in view of the sensitivity of the situation.

Published in Dawn, November 25th , 2014