Security plans finalised for Muharram in Gilgit, Skardu

GILGIT: The district administrations of Gilgit and Skardu have finalised security plans to ensure peace and safety during Muharram 2024.

According to Gilg-Baltistan police, these measures aim to address the specific needs of both cities, given their significance during this period of mourning.

A total of 174 Imambargahs across Gilgit district will host mourning gatherings, with 12 designated as highly sensitive, 17 as sensitive, and 145 as normal. From the first of Muharram until Ashura, 541 police personnel will be deployed for security daily.

Additionally, 300 GB Scouts, 300 Pakistan Rangers, and 200 Frontier Constabulary personnel will be stationed at various locations for security duties. On Ashura day alone, 1,100 police officers will be on duty, supplemented by personnel from Pakistan Rangers, GB Scouts, and the Frontier Constabulary.

To enhance security measures, a special task team has been established to activate and update all CCTV cameras across the city.

Besides the forces, the services of volunteers from Imamia, Ismaili, and Ahl-e-Sunnat boy scouts will also be utilized.

Meetings with the Police Liaison Committee members are ongoing, and all Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) and Station House Officers (SHOs) have been given special instructions to maintain constant communication.

SSP Gilgit Ayaz Ahmed has emphasised stringent monitoring of all entry and exit points, enhancing the checking process to ensure it is thorough and effective.

Acknowledging the critical role of religious scholars in maintaining societal peace, SSP Gilgit is holding special meetings with scholars from various sects.

He also issued directives for strict action against those spreading religious hatred or controversial content on social media during Muharram.

Similarly, the district police in Skardu has devised a plan for effective security measures during Muharram 2024. In a high-level meeting, DPO Ishaq Hussain outlined the deployment of district police, GB Special Branch, District Security Branch, Tourist Police, Key Points, Women Police, and Special Protection Unit officers across 572 locations hosting mourning gatherings.

Efforts are being made to activate all CCTV cameras throughout the city. During the meeting, DPO Hussain noted that records of non-local individuals have already been compiled, and continuous strict monitoring will be maintained.

Collaboration with scholars from all sects, traders’ associations, citizens’ associations, Abbas Scouts, Imamia Scouts, Ismaili Boy Scouts, and representatives from various community groups is a key aspect of maintaining religious and sectarian harmony and mutual brotherhood in the region.

Also read: Ban on pillion riding on 9,10 Muharram

Given the significant influx of domestic and international tourists, police checkpoints at all entry and exit points are conducting thorough searches to prevent any untoward incidents.

Police personnel at these checkpoints are also educating tourists about local customs and traditions to preserve the sanctity of Muharram.

The DPO Skardu emphasised that all resources will be utilized to ensure peace and order during Muharram.

The meeting was attended by scholars from all sects, Police Liaison Committee members, representatives from traders’ and citizens’ associations, leaders of mourning organizations, and police officers.

The DPO expressed gratitude to all the scholars and meeting participants for their support and cooperation.