LAHORE: Security agencies have declared the upcoming month of Muharram “the most sensitive in the country’s history as maintaining peace has become a great challenge after twin suicide bombings at the Data Darbar”.The Karbala Gamay Shah suicide blasts that occurred on September 1, almost three months after the deadly suicide bombings at Data Darbar, had put law enforcers in an intriguing position as both the places are a few yards apart.Sources from intelligence agencies told Daily Times that they have pinpointed at least 50 most sensitive points during this Muharram and have categorised the dozens of other points in the city, where Muharram processions and gatherings will take place as points of security concern.The sources added that agencies were trying to increase use of non-conventional security methods, including sophisticated technology and scanning of the routes and areas from where processions will pass.
Imambargah Syed Wajid Ali Shah, Chowk Nawab Sahib, Koocha Qazi Khana, Imambargah Maulvi Feroz Ali, Koocha Miskeenan, Mohalla Peer Gillanian, Imambargah Syed Rajab Ali Shah, Chau-Hatta Mufti Baqir, Chowk Kotwali, Kashmiri Bazaar, Sonehri Masjid, Dabbi Bazaar, Gumtti Bazaar (Rang Mahal Chowk), Syed Mittha Bazaar, Tehsil Bazaar, Bazaar Hakimaan, Ucchi Masjid, Bhatti Chowk, Karbala Gamay Shah, Islampura, Jain Mandir, Old Anarkali, Ghazi Abad, Nickolson Road and Imamia Colony, are the most vulnerable places in terms of security threats identified by security agencies this year.The agencies will continue the search and scanning operation in these areas and on procession routes, with help of modern scanners, sniffer dogs and human intelligence, days before the event in order to ensure fool proof security. They would also keep a check on rented houses, small shops and suspicious people in various areas throughout, and thousands of policemen and personnel from intelligence and other law enforcement agencies would participate in the exercise.
While talking to Daily Times, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Muhammad Aslam Tareen said the Lahore Police would take extraordinary security measures to combat multifarious threats in Muharram.The CCPO said there would remain special focus on the security of shrines and imambargahs in the city, whereas regular meetings will be held with the management of mosques, imambargahs and members of local committees.He said the Lahore Police had chalked a comprehensive and well-coordinated security plan for Muharram, adding that no dereliction of duty would be tolerated, whereas divisional SPs concerned would be held accountable in case of any lapse – Dailytimes
