Punjab IGP Mushtaq Ahmad Sukhera has directed the RPOs and DPOs to launch a massive crackdown on criminals and anti-state actors before Muharram 9 and 10 and ensure foolproof security for peaceful Muharram in the province.
Chairing a video link conference of RPOs and DPOs, the IGP said three-layer security should be given to all sensitive Imambargahs, Majalis and processions and video recording of major and sensitive processions and Majalis be ensured.
He said the elements involved in spreading sectarianism were enemies of the nation and they deserved no mercy. Irrespective of their affiliation to any group and no matter how influential they were, such criminals must be brought to justice. “The entire police force will have to work on a war footing to eliminate sectarianism,” he added.
The IGP said people should be frisked through three-layer security before they enter Imambargahs and processions.
He said search and sweep operations would be carried out daily and security at entry and exit points of their respective districts would be beefed up.
He directed the officers to personally visit the sensitive areas regularly in their respective jurisdiction and ensure harmony during Muharram. The control room at IG office would work round the clock to monitor the overall law and order in Punjab.
He directed installation and use of CCTV cameras, barbed wires, walk through gates, jammers, metal detectors at all entry and exit points of the cities and processions should be made.
The IGP directed the regional and district police officers to issue special identity cards to the deployed security personnel so that their identity could be verified and to make sure that security point in charges should be personally familiar with the police officials on duty under their command. He directed to crackdown on display of arms, vehicles with unauthorised black papered windows, blue lights and green number plates and strict action be taken against the violators. Loudspeaker Act should be implemented strictly and legal action should be carried out against the violators without any discrimination.
He directed deployment of additional force at sensitive and most sensitive flashing points in Punjab. He cancelled all kind of leaves of all operational and security officials during Muharram. To prevent any kind of terrorist or criminal activity in police uniform, security passes would be issued for all the security personnel.
The IGP directed the RPOs and DPOs to personally check and monitor security arrangements for major and sensitive Majalis and processions in their divisions and districts.
“Peace committees’ members are very important to create harmony among all faiths. Close coordination with peace committees’ members will help police to ensure security for Muharram, more effectively, the IGP added.
(The News)
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