HYDERABAD, Jan 8: Police and law enforcing agencies have been warned of action by caretaker Chief Minister Justice (Rtd) Abdul Qadir Halepota for failure in providing security measures in Sindh during Muharram and general elections. He was presiding over law and order meeting at Shahbaz Hall, here on Tuesday.

He told participants that no security lapse would be tolerated from any cadres which may result in removal from the service, also. None from the DPOs, RPOs to DIGs will be exonerated from the responsibility for security lapse around Mosques and Imam Bargahs, especially during prayers, Majalis, mourning processions, the CM emphasised.

He issued directives to identify sensitive areas and told the SP Special Branch to enhance beforehand intelligence about terrorist attacks.

Regarding routes of mourning processions, Halepota recommended getting clearance from the Bomb Dispoal Squad in advance and forbade display of arms and ammunition.

He called for coordination among Sindh Police, Rangers, Special Police Branches and other LEAs for taking prompt action in case of an eventuality and asked them to follow security plan in letter and spirit.

Taking notice of wall chalking and circulation of objectionable material, caretaker CM said this may invite action against printers and peddlers, including seizure of such material.

Halepota said District Coordination Officers of the province will be responsible for coordination with administrative and public utility departments for safe passage of Majalis and processions and provision of drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, sanitation, and efficient drainage system, especially around Imambargahs and where Majalis are conducted.

He said in addition priority will also be given to ensure fair, free, and peaceful elections for which provincial government will provide security to contesting political parties.

He directed DCOs and DPOs to remain in touch with political parties for taking outmost care and added: “Districts are also facing flour crisis and it is the duty of DCOs to ensure supply of the commodity at government rates.”

Caretaker Sindh Minister for Home Akhtar Zamin told police officials to remain on guard keeping in mind gory incidents of December last and advised them to lay hands only on the culprits, sparing the innocent lot from harassment.

Sindh Chief Secretary Fazul Rehman asked the DCOs to provide data of losses during recent violence to three-member commission for compensation.