Lahore: Lahore Police has chalked out a comprehensive security plan for the sacred programs of Muharram ul Haram including majalis and processions of Ashura. DIG Operations Lahore Sajad Kiani said that more than 10 thousands Police officers and officials including 06 SPs, 34 DSPs, 83 SHOs, Jawans from Anti Riot Force, Dolphin Squad, PRU and SSU will perform duties to provide complete protection to the participants of the mourning processions and majalis. Sajad Kiani said that all logistic and operational arrangements have been finalized alongwith survey of the routes and Imam Bargahs. He said that implementation on Government directions regarding Coronavirus preventive measures will be ensured through enforcement teams in collaboration with Imam Bargahs, Majalis and Peace committees. Sajad Kiani further informed that almost all the issues regarding trouble and flash points have been resolved with the consultation and mutual coordination of local community at Police Station level. All the important mourning processions will be provided cover of Elite Police as well, he added. Meetings with allied departments have been conducted to ensure timely completion of arrangements and community leaders, members Peace Committees. Parliamentarians have also been taken into confidence to obtain their support in maintaining peace during Muharram. DIG Operations urged that maintaining peace in Muharram ul Haram is Lahore Police top priority at this movement as it is the most important and sensitive assignment of Lahore Police to provide foolproof security to all the mourning processions and related programs of Muharram ul Haram. Lahore Police has completed consultation with members of District and Local Peace Committees, Shia community, license holders of majalis, religious and local representatives, traders, businessmen and residents of the related areas to ensure a peaceful atmosphere throughout Muharram ul Haram. Security audit has also been completed of all the streets, markets, commercial and residential areas alongwith shops on the routes of the processions. Surety bonds and certificates have also been obtained from the related persons and residents of these areas. CCTV cameras have been installed on all the routes of main processions by Punjab Safe Cities Authority to ensure non-stop monitoring. District Administration is also completing all its arrangements regarding installation of monitoring cameras, roads patchwork, drainage and proper lighting on the routes of processions. The participants of Muharram ul Haram programs will only be allowed to enter the processions after complete checking and body search by Lahore Police officials and volunteers by metal detectors and Walkthrough Gates. Lady Police officers will check the female participants of the events in ladies search cabins. The entrances of all the streets falling under the routes of main procession will be closed through barriers and bob wires. Snipers will be installed on high roofs to monitor all the movements of the processions and any possible suspects. Dolphin squads and Police Response Unit teams will ensure effective patrolling around Imam Bargahs and routes of mourning processions. The volunteers are also being provided necessary training of checking individuals under Community Policing at District Police Lines Qilla Gujjar Singh. Police officials in plain dresses will also be present on the routes of processions to keep an eye on any possible suspects. Sajad Kiani further said that Search Operations are continued to ensure peace alongwith law and order at Muharram Ul Haram under National Action Plan. Data of the citizens is being checked at houses, hotels, guest houses through search operations, geo fencing and biometric system whereas identity verification is being conducted of passengers at bus stops, bus terminals and railway stations through Hotel Eye app as well. The monitoring of the processions will continue through a special mechanism at the control rooms set up at Punjab Safe Cities Authority as well as OPS rooms of all divisional offices of Lahore Police. Sajad Kiani said that physical as well as electronic barriers will also be installed to ensure safety of the participants of main processions. Food will be provided on the working places and check points to the Police officials and officers performing duty. Checking of the citizens and vehicles is continued at Exit and Entrance points of the city alongwith special pickets being setup at various points of the city including traditional gates of the Walled City. Parking arrangements have been separately ensured for the facilitation of the participants of main processions of Muharram Ul Haram, he concluded.
