RAWALPINDI: More than 100 activists and supporters of the proscribed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) were booked by the police on various charges, including inciting people to violence and violating the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Three separate FIRs were registered one each in the Naseerabad, Racecourse and the Civil Lines police stations.

The first FIR was lodged with the Naseerabad police on the complaint of Intizar Hussain, a sub-inspector, against six activists.

However, none of them has been arrested. The complainant said he was on a patrolling duty on Monday night when workers of the proscribed TLP established a protest camp in a street and blocked the passageway besides delivering speeches.

He said the speakers, including khateeb of Jamia Masjid Madni, allegedly incited people to violence by using the sound system. They also violated the government ban on public gatherings to check the spread of coronavirus.

The second FIR was registered with the Civil Lines police on the complaint of Nasirur Rehman, a head constable.

The complainant said he was on duty when 70 to 80 activists of TLP led by Qari Kamran Aslam brought out a rally.

The participants, carrying batons, sticks and banners, marched on Lal Kurti Road, Rafi Road and blocked traffic at Bhatta Chowk. He said the participants were informed several times that they were bringing out an illegal rally and violating SOPs but they ignored and caused hurdles in the public movement.

He said the participants also delivered provocative speeches.

Likewise, a protest rally was brought out by 25 people in the limits of Racecourse police. The participants were carrying batons, sticks and banners inscribed with different slogans. They blocked the main road while expressing solidarity with TLP.

The police registered an FIR under the relevant sections of the law on the complaint of Shakeel Aziz, a foot constable.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2021