PESHAWAR, Nov 2: The Shia community on Saturday demanded effective security steps for the protection of the people, especially its members, during Muharram in the country in general and in the restive areas of Hangu and Parachinar in particular.

Imamia Students` Organisation (ISO), Peshawar division President Zameer Ali Jafri told reporters at Peshawar Press Club that the government and law-enforcement agencies` prime responsibility wasto provide full protection to imambargahs, processions and majalis-iAza during Muharram.

He, however, complained that the incidents of violence against Shia community, especially in Hangu and Parachinar, were on the rise due to the ineffectiveness role of law-enforcement agencies.

Flanked by religious scholar Allama Mohammad Asghar and ISO office-bearers, Mr Jafri demanded settlement of a land dispute in Parachinar before the startof Muharram to prevent trouble.

He said the government and lawenforcement agencies should take effective measures for peace in Hangu and Parachinar in particular during Muharram.

`We, the Shia community, expect that the government will ensure foolproof security arrangements in Muharram, especially on Ashura, in the province, he said.

The ISO president said volunteers of his organisation and scoutswould be tasked with ensuring protection of the people, places of worship, sensitive places and Muharram processions.

He said ISO would deploy volunteers in sensitive districts, including Peshawar, Parachinar, Hangu and Mardan, for the protection of Muharram processions and gatherings.

Mr Jafri said that committees comprising members of the Shia community would also be formed to offer free medical services tomourners and protect routes of Muharram processions.

He said the government and security agencies should take leaders of the community into confidence before finalising and executing security plan for better results.

The ISO president said his organisation would observe `Karbalao-Baidari-i-Islami` to highlight the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in Karbala.