Security forces have chalked out a comprehensive plan to avoid any untoward incident and ensure law and order in the provincial capital, ahead of the holy month of Muharram Al Haram.

Strict security measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful month, especially in the first ashra. Army is on standby to assist the police; so are Rangers in the event of an emergency.

Talking to TNS, Operations DIG Sajid Kiani says that during Muharram, security shall be ramped up, especially in view of the past attacks on ashura processions. “In the recent few years, we’ve seen relative calm, but this does not mean the security can be overlooked,” he insists, adding that the “provision of security is a shared responsibility.”

Kiani claims that the city police have devised a foolproof security plan. He says 12,500 police personnel shall ensure the safe culmination of Muharram processions and rallies in various parts of the city. “Maintaining law and order is going to be our top priority, not only during Muharram but also through the month of Safar.”

Asked about the pandemic, Kiani says that the standard operating procedures (SOPs) shall be “strictly enforced” at all Muharram processions and majalis to protect the people as well as the security personnel from contracting infection.

He speaks of pre-Muharram meetings that have been conducted with all stakeholders, and the arrangements made for the routes of the processions.

As many as 5,235 majalis and 650 Muharram processions are expected to take place in the city, through the 10^th of the month. These majalis and rallies have been categorised as A, B and C based on the level of their vulnerability to potential danger. The strength of police personnel at each location shall vary accordingly.

Besides, the police shall monitor the areas that fall around the various Imam Bargahs and processions’ routes.

The DIG says that the officials have been directed to take into account areas that have a history of clashes and unrest. “Law-enforcement agencies such as the Special Branch and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) are already carrying out intelligence-based operations. The exercise it will show how precisely they are able to give advance information to field units.”

As many as 5,235 majalis and 650 Muharram processions are expected to take place in different parts of the city, through the 10th of the month. These majalis and rallies have been categorised as A, B and C based on the level of their vulnerability to potential danger.

He says that the police are obtaining sureties from the residents based along the procession routes and in adjoining buildings, apart from the shop owners and owners of rental properties. The police officials have also been directed to identify the “troublemakers” so that preventive action can be taken.

Likewise, raids are being conducted across the city on probable hideouts of proclaimed offenders and criminals.

“We are also in contact with the local MNAs and MPAs, and are urging them to exercise their clout in their constituencies, in order to maintain peace [during Muharram],” he says.

A control room, equipped with LED, wireless, fax machine, telephones, computer/ typing machines, necessary data regarding telephones, fax numbers of various officers, has been set up to keep the command well informed and for quick passage of sensitive information and transmission of operational orders. Besides, a list of ulema and zakirs, suspected of fanning extremism and hatred through their speeches, has been prepared, and they will be barred from entering the city based on solid evidence.

Capt Muhammad Usman Younas (retired), the Lahore commissioner, says that arrangements for ensuring peace during the month of Muharram are being worked out in consultation with the concerned departments. “The local government departments, the police, the LWMC, the MCL, the district administration, the LESCO and the WASA, have been put on high alert to cope with any emergency. Instructions have also been issued for route clearances, cleanliness work, lighting and rainwater removal.”

Lastly, keeping in view the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the city, strict adherence to SOPs shall be ensured at the majalis and rallies. “We have discussed this with the organisers of processions and the managements of the majalis. They’ve reassured us of compliance.”

Members of the Divisional Peace Committee are also expected to emphasise the need to follow the SOPs through their speeches. Under the Lahore Wears Masks campaign, municipal teams shall distribute free masks among the participants of processions and majalis.

The writer is a senior journalist and can be reached at   ahsanzia155@gmail.com