RAWALPINDI: A security clampdown would be implemented with the highest state of alert by establishing a curfew-like scenario in the garrison city on Muharram 9 and 10.

“State of highest alert should be maintained by imposing a curfew-like situation with sealing off the approaches leading to the venue by effective picketing,” a directive issued to all the regional police officers from the office of the inspector general of police (IGP) stated.

It directed the district police chiefs to hold special briefing sessions for the force and with a specific emphasis on deployment of personnel at the venues of majalis and procession routes.

“Plainclothes police officers should be handed the Counter-Terrorism Department’s red book, which contains pictures of wanted terrorists with an instruction to attend all majalis and processions to ensure none of the wanted terrorists were there.”

State of highest alert should be maintained by imposing curfew-like situation, says directive

While deploying the force, it should be ensured that the location is cordoned off by deploying inner and outer cordons with enough police force, that the approaches leading to the sites are sealed off with effective pickets, and armed personnel are placed on rooftop duty.

When deploying soldiers in these locations, tactical placement should be prioritised, and the Special Branch should carry out technical route sweeping.

To further strengthen security, two companies each of the Army and Rangers will be deployed in Rawalpindi, Attock and Jhelum while one company of the Army will be deployed in Chakwal to assist the police.

In additions, 2,100 personnel of Punjab Constabulary and 1,260 personnel of Elite Force will be deployed in Rawalpindi division.

Of the 2,100 PC personnel, 1,200 will be deployed in Rawalpindi, 300 in Attock, 400 in Jhelum and 200 in Chakwal. Likewise, 63 teams of Elite Force will be deployed in the Rawalpindi division. Of the 63 Elite Fore personnel, 40 will be deployed in Rawalpindi, 10 in Attock, five in Jhelum and eight in Chakwal.

Following police reports and recommendations of the District Intelligence Committee to prevent 16 persons belonging to different sects from delivering speeches/sermons at any public place or religious gathering within the limits of the district of Rawalpindi, the deputy commissioner has imposed a ban on these individuals for 60 days.

In Attock, 45 persons from different sects have been banned from delivering speeches and sermons for 60 days along with 20 in Jhelum, 11 in Chakwal. A total of 93 individuals have been banned from delivering speeches and sermons in the Rawalpindi division.

In addition, 218 ulema have been banned from entering the Rawalpindi division for 60 days. In 2020, the entry of 162 ulema had been banned in the area.

Of the 218 individuals, the entry of 38 ulema has been banned in Rawalpindi district, 113 in Attock, 20 in Jhelum and 47 in Chakwal.

According to the guideline, weapons to personnel on security duty should be issued with great care. The selection of weapons should also be made in the light of the nature of the threat perception. Elite force and commandos are armed as per their drill and standing order while rubber bullets may be issued to anti-riot reserves.

Strict checking by plainclothes personnel at bus/wagon stands, railway stations and inns along with suspected religious seminaries be ensured to keep a watch on the movement of suspected elements.

Traffic police as well as police station staff should carry out a massive checking of vehicles to ensure that no vehicle is without a registration number or having fake plates.

The directive further warned that the most vulnerable phase of any majlis or procession is when the mourners disperse, therefore, maximum vigilance be exercised at that time.

Processions must adhere to the allocated routes and times. No innovations or deviations in the holding of processions or majalis would be tolerated at any cost, itadded.

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2021