DADU: The shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar was closed and a thorough search was carried out by police and other security agencies` personnel on Sunday apparently following an information about a possible act of terrorism on the even of the Chahlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain being observed on Monday.

Security forces also conducted a search of hotels, guest houses and private houses situated around the shrine.

All five gates of the shrine remained closed during the search operation inside. Police rounded up about 30 suspects but let off them after an interrogation at the Sehwan police station.

Deployment was made at the entry/exit points of Sehwan city and every passing person and vehicle was stopped and checked.

The police said the operation was prompted by an information about a possible act of terrorism like the recent suicide bomb attack at the Shah Noorani shrine in Khuzdar, Balochistan, that had left scores of people dead and wounded.

Reports from other parts of Dadu district suggested that similar search operations were carried out in the Saeedi Mosani, Shah Godrio, Shah Panjo and Hazrat Makhdooom Bilawal shrines.

Dadu SSP Shabbir Ahmed Sethar and Jamshoro SSP retired Captain Tariq Walayat told the media that police were taking no chances in the wake of the Shah Noorani carnage.

Security forces across Sindh have been put on a high alert on account of the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). Thousands of people are to take part in the processions, congregations and other religious programmes held in different parts of every city and town to observe the Chehlum.

Special security measures have been taken by all district administrations to avert any untoward incident and respond quickly to any emergency.

HYDERABAD: Police on Sunday finalised arrangements for the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions being observed on Monday.

Headquarters SP Sarfaraz Virk chaired a meeting of DSPs and SHOs in the SSP office here on Sunday to give the arrangements a final shape.

The Chehlum day in Hyderabad coincides with another spiritual gathering at the shrine of Sarfaraz Baba, situated in the midst of the city, which is basically a women-only event. A large number of women annually turn up at the shrine to have their prayer answered. They bring sweets as a mark of fulfilment of their wishes.

The shrine is located on Sarfaraz Road near the police headquarters. Chehlum procession is passes through Station Road. It subsequently takes different roads like City Police Station Chowk, Lajpat Road, Society Chowk, Haji Shah Chowk, Cantonment Police Station Chowk, Saddar Jamia Masjid, St Mary Chowk, Qadamgah Maula Ali and Karbala Dadan Shah.

Police have divided the area into two zones and four sectors with one being the special sector. All shops along these routes would remain shut during the passage of the procession.

Policemen would be deployed on rooftops of many buildings to keep a watch on miscreants. Anti-terrorist Force personnel have been divided in three units for deployment. Police pickets are set up on 12 sensitive points along the procession route.

Police teams are carrying out a search in different hotels, guest houses, railway station and bus stands. Pickets have also been set up at 14 sensitive points in the city.

Police have closed three main arteries to vehicular traffic to facilitate the Chehlum proceedings and procession.

An alternative route plan has been publicised for members of the general public to adopt during the events.

In Sanghar, all shops, markets, filling stations and other trade, business and commercial outlets on Hyderabad Road and M.A. Jinnah Road have been sealed as part of security for Chehlum procession participants and sensitive places.

Sanghar is regarded as one of the most sensitive towns on sectarian and political issues. In Shahdadpur, police carried out a raid on two inns, seized their records and got them vacated. The owners of the guest houses, Muhibbullah and Abdul Jabar, were taken into custody.