RAWALPINDI, Dec 13: The Punjab government has asked the police to check the use of low quality ‘circuit jammers’ by some mosques, during prayer congregations, to reduce the risk of terrorist activities, it has been learnt.

An official said that there had been reports that the management of some mosques had been utilising low quality circuit jammers, through their own resources, during prayer time.

Citing the jamming devices being used by the administration of Model Town mosque in Lahore, the authorities concerned said that these devices were reportedly valued at Rs15,000 to 20,000 but were effective only between 20 to 40 metre radius area.

In the wake of recent terrorist attacks on religious places in the country, all of the district police chiefs and city police officers in Punjab had been asked to direct the administration of mosques and Imambargahs to arrange high quality jamming devices and to place them at high risk sites.

The police have also been directed to use high quality circuit jammers for moving processions during Muharram.

The home department had already issued a guideline to the police regarding maintenance of peace and order before, during and after Muharram.

When the Deputy Superintendent of Police (headquarters) Tahir Sikander was contacted, he said the district police did not have circuit jammers but they requested the Special Branch to install the devices, as and when required.

Another police official, who deals with security related issues, said that the Special Branch have two kinds of ‘circuit jammers’. One is installed on vehicles which are used for inter-city movements of chief minister, president and prime minister.

The two vehicles used during VIP and VVIP movements are effective around four to five kilometre radius.

However, the other kind of jamming devices are used for big gatherings and processions.

He further informed that sometimes high quality jammers are provided by the army to reduce the chances of subversive activities, as a large number of army officers attend processions.

When the superintendent of police Operation Israr Abbasi was contacted, he said that a fresh guideline for security had been conveyed to the police by the Inspector General of Police Punjab, regarding the upcoming Muharram procession.