CM Sindh reviews security plan for Muharram by Police, Rangers

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Friday while reviewing the security arrangements by Rangers and Police for Muharram-ul-Haram said that majalis and processions must be provided fool-proof security.

Director General Pakistan Rangers Sindh Major-General Mohammad Saeed briefed CM Sindh that 8000 personnel would be a deployed in Muharram by the paramilitary force.

“I have held a number meeting with IG and Additional IGs and have chalked out a detailed plan with collective wisdom,” he said. Rangers would be deployed from start of Muharram to Chehlum.

DG Rangers said close coordination with the law enforcement intelligence agencies would be enough to ensure security. The Rangers and police will conduct targeted operation in the city and its outskirt. “This process has also dismantled the network of terrorists and other outlaws in the city,” the DG said.

584 majalis declared most sensitive in Sindh

Inspector General Police AD Khuwaja briefing the meeting said that there were 1,932 imambargahs in Sindh. There will be 9295 majalis, 4004 matmi processions and 1658 tazia processions taken out in the province.

He said that 583 have been declared most sensitive, 2463 sensitive while 6249 are normal. Similarly, 340 matmi processions have been declared as most sensitive, 1337 sensitive and 2327 normal. As far as tazia processions are concerned 65 have been declared most sensitive, 626 sensitive and 967 normal.

Talking about Karachi, the IG said that out of 320 majalis, 179 have been declared as most sensitive, 767 sensitive and 320 normal. Out of 694 matmi processions, 116 are most sensitive, 530 sensitive and 48 normal. As far as tazia processions are concerned none has been catagorised as most sensitive but 198 are sensitive and 217 normal.

61,545 policemen to be deployed

CM Sindh was informed that the deployment of police force has been made according to the sensitivity of the processions. There would be 61,545 policemen deployed, out of which 34,827 would be static, 9087 in pickets, 6600 on mobile vehicles and 2,914 on motorcycles, while 8117 would be in reserve.

Giving details of the reserve force, IG Sindh said 400 policemen would be at CPO, 100 each at Additional IG Karachi, Garden headquarters, ACLC, Numaish Chowrangi, Mama Parsi School, Preedy and 100 at Merewether Tower.

CM Sindh directed the IG to make necessary arrangements for continuous vigilance till Chehlum, develop close liaison with religious scholars and leaders. He added that he was very satisfied with law and order situation in the city.

He directed the chief secretary to coordinate with local bodies to do patch work of all the roads in dilapidated condition and cleanliness work of their respective across Sindh.

The chief minister also directed all deputy commissioners through chief secretary and SSPs through IG police to involve local bodies for maintenance of law and order and cleanliness.

CM Sindh also directed the IG to work out details about the policemen given to different people in society for security reasons, and to withdraw from those who have no need for security guards and engage them in police work.

He directed Home minister to coordinate with Ministry of Interior to shut down the cellphone network when and where required in Muharram.