RAWALPINDI: About 660 extra police officials have been called to Rawalpindi to assist the police in maintaining peace in the city in case the government decides to use force to end the siege of Faizabad Interchange by a religious group.

Out of the 33 reserves of extra police, 16 platoons were called in from the Punjab Constabulary, eight from Sargodha, seven from Mianwali and two from Atttock.

“The extra police have been provided with anti-riot tools including a large quantity of tear gas shells. The police contingents will be deployed at three points: Sadiqabad, IJ Principal Road and Faizabad to prevent the protesters from entering Rawalpindi,” he said.

He said the anti-riot police have been provided with sticks, shields, helmets and a large quantity of tear gas shells. However, rubber bullets have not been supplied so far.

“Police have been waiting for the government’s verdict. If the protesters try to retaliate, the police will respond in the same manner and use force to control them,” said the senior police official.

He added that shipping freight containers have also been put on stand-by and if need be, they will be used to block the protesters from entering Rawalpindi.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2017