Summary Police recovered a Kalashnikov and 4 pistols during the operation.
PESHAWAR (Dunya News) – Police on Friday night launched a grand search operation for terrorists and trouble makers in the central and outer areas of Yakatoot, Peshawar. 84 suspected individuals were taken into custody during the operation. The raids were conducted to assure peace and stability during the coming Ashura Muharram-ul-Haram.
According to the details, police searched almost 250 homes and the alleged suspects caught during the raid were shifted to the Yakatoot police station. Police recovered a Kalashnikov and 4 pistols during the operation. Statements recorded by all arrested individuals are being investigated. Soldiers of Pak Army also participated in the operation along with the police.
The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) had earlier this month conducted similar raids, arresting 45 individuals including a key militant commander of a banded organization as claimed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) authorities.
Also read: Peshawar police conducts operations ahead of Muharram-ul-Haram
Earlier this month, the KP law enforcement agencies declared Peshawar, Hangu, Kohat and Dera Ismail Khan as sensitive areas during the Muharram-ul-Haram duration. The statement was announced during a meeting attended by Provincial police Chief Nasir Khan Durrani, regional police officers, district police officers, AIG of Special Branch, DIG of Counter-Terrorism Department and Peshawar police chief to discuss security arrangements in the province.
Police stated that 429 processions will be taken out in KP province while 940 Majalis will be held. Police sighted 129 areas as ‘troublesome’. Police also stated that Peshawar contains 66 imambargahs and 121 processions are expected to be taken out in the provincial capital. Durrani stated that the processions will have live electronic monitoring and security zones will be setup in processions and Majalis along with frisking of attendants, deployment of officers on hilltops and rooftops, security checks of residential areas through which processions might pass and proper lighting in venues of Majalis.
Security has been stepped up in all corners of the country as the holy period of Muharram-ul-Haram approaches, with search operations and raids being conducted in numerous cities to ensure that the days pass without any ugly incident.
Security was also beefed up in Punjab as police, Intelligence Department, hospitals and civil and defense emergency services were put on high alert. Officials of law enforcement agencies have been deputed at mosques, important buildings, roads and numerous areas of the cities. Security checks of cars and major arenas have also been started. The law enforcement agencies will be provided with metal detectors and sensitive areas like airports, railway stations, shopping centers and hotels have been put under strict observation.
Also read:Peshawar police thwarts Muharram terrorism plot
The Ashura Muharram-ul-Haram is a sacred time period for all Muslims especially for the Shia community. The country has long suffered brutal acts of sectarian terrorism such as suicide blasts and violent confrontations during the revered period with thousands losing their lives which have sparked stringent security actions to be put in place to avoid any untoward event.
