LAHORE: Lahore Police, to prevent terrorists’ attack as suspected by the Interior Ministry, will deploy fresh troops at and around the route of main Zuljinah procession, especially at Karbala Gamay Shah where the procession concludes, on Muharram 10, police sources told Pakistan Today on Tuesday.
Police officials have declared 184 points as sensitive on the route of Zuljinah processions. Lahore Police has chalked out a ‘comprehensive plan’ in order to avoid any untoward incident and have deputed police jawans and officers on mobile squads etc for the purpose.
Shia Ulemas, on the directions of Lahore Police, requested Shias to install security cameras at sensitive places and more than 100 security cameras have already been installed and a control has also been established where top cops of Lahore Police will monitor the processions. Police have also promised walk through gates and metal detectors operated by police officials which will serve on Muharram 9-10.
THREATS: Interior Ministry has informed top cops of the Punjab Police for suspected terrorist attack on Muharram 9-10. According to sources in intelligence agencies, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (especially TTP Punjab) has sent a group of four terrorists to carry out attacks.
Sources claimed that terrorist might carry out a suicide attack initially at an entry point of main Zuljinah procession, which will be followed by another blast in the middle of the procession, like the attacks on Karbala Gamay Shah which took place couple of months ago. Sources further revealed that the terrorists might attack when Zuljinah procession ends at Karbala Gamay Shah and they might carry out a gun attack initially to divert crowd’s attention.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES: Lahore Police has made a few preventive measures in this regard. According to City Division Police Superintendent Dr Shahzad, Lahore Police has decided to deploy fresh troops at the entry and exit points near Karbala Gamay Shah.
Responding to a query he said that they have decided to deploy security in three layers. He said that they have also minimized the number of procession’s entry points and people entering the main procession will be checked by the police officials at three different places.
He said that they have chalked out the ‘comprehensive plan’ to not only to defend against terrorism but also to trace criminals. “For the first time we have decided to hold a rehearsal before 9th and 10th of Muharram in which security personnel will rehearse their duties,” he said.
An intelligence agency’s sources informed that four companies of Pak Army, two on standby, and one of Rangers will join the police in order to check the people entering and exiting the main procession.
SEARCH OPERATIONS Lahore Police launched search operations on the route of the main Zuljinah procession to collect residents’ particulars, in search of suspicious elements. Couple of days ago, Mochi Gate police launched a search operation in this regard and pointed out more than 70 suspicious men. However, several of them were released after proving their identity.
SHIAS DISSATISFIED: Shias look dissatisfied despite repeated visits of DIG Operations Rao Sardar and concerned SP’s to monitor security arrangements. Shias said claim they have arranged and are relying more on their private security than police.
Bobi Shah of Khaima-e-Sadaat said police on Tuesday contacted them and offered them training for private security. Haider Rizvi of Imam Bargah Mochi Gate said they are not relying on police but on their own private security. Some Shias said police officials despite promise are not able to provide walk through gates.
