Islamabad: March and counter-march : Heavy security deployment

[Naveed Yaseen]

* 2,000 teargas shells, 5,000 rubber bullets, 200 containers, barbed wire furnished
* Troubled spots to be patrolled
* 10 prison vans stand by to shift arrested marchers to Adiala
* Special security plan for army offices

By Imran Asghar

RAWALPINDI: Over 15,000 police, 200 Frontier Constabulary (FC) officials and three companies of Rangers would be deputed in the city today (Sunday) to stop participants of long march from reaching Islamabad, sources told Daily Times on Saturday.

They said two battalions of Pakistan Army had been put on high alert and the city would be sealed at 86 points.

“Police will be given around 2,000 teargas shells, 500 teargas hand grenades and over 5,000 rubber bullets. Over 200 containers, tractors and 5000-metre barbed wire have been furnished to block major roads and the city’s entry points,” said a senior police official, requesting anonymity.

He said over 400 police had come here from Karachi, added to them four additional SPs and DSP of Punjab Police from Lahore.

He said 100 police would man front of each container and 20 officials would cover them from the back. “20 additional pickets have also been set up on roads leading to Rawalpindi city and police have been directed to thoroughly search suspicious vehicles and persons,” he said.

“About 200 police officials will be deployed at Rawalpindi District Courts and 400 police at Lahore High Court (Rawalpindi Bench). They have been told to lock up courtrooms and bar offices,” he said.

He said 20 jeeps, 24 police patrolling pickups, six buses, five armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and 100 motorcycles would be given to security forces to patrol troubled spots. He said 10 prison vans would stand by to shift arrested marchers to Adiala Jail.

Special plan for army offices: He said a special security plan had been devised for General Headquarters (GHQ), Army House and other sensitive installations of Pakistan Army. He said security for these sensitive places would be in three tiers - 100 police officials in first, 20 FC personnel in second and army troops in third tier.

“Over 45 CCTVs are operating in high security zones. Latest security gadgets like explosive detectors and jamers have been installed additionally,” he said.

He said vehicles of City Fire Brigade, Rescue 1122, Ambulance Squad etc would remain highly alert for rescue operations in any untoward situation.

He said copies of security plan had been dispatched to all SSPs, SDPOs, SPOs and SHOs to make it sure that it worked.

He said CPO Inayatullah Farooq and SSP (Operation) Yasin Farooq would supervise all security arrangements.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...009_pg11_1