Security measures for Muharram: TTP leader arrested in Rangers' search operation

In a move to rule out possibilities of any untoward situation during Muharram, the Rangers Special Force (RSF) in a search operation at Pirabad (Manghopir) on Tuesday morning kept some 400 people and arrested Shafiq Mehfooz, a leader of outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
According to sources, the search operation was initiated on a tip-off by four arrested persons namely Zainulabdein, Muzamil, Raheel Mehfooz and Inayat, who said that some militants belonging to Wana and Waziristan were hiding in these areas. Reacting on the information, a heavy contingents of RSF comprising some 100 vehicles along with female personnel and police force were deployed at Kunwari colony, Awan colony and Sultanabad colony located in Pirabad (Manghopir area).
Sources said that the RSF besieged these areas and started house to house search. Resultantly, the RSF kept some 400 people and arrested Shafiq Mehfooz. They said the RSF also detained some 13 persons, suspected as members of TTP. Sources said that RSF also identified a 'camp office' of TTP and recovered huge quantity of destructive weapons and explosives, which were dumped for launching terrorist attacks during Muharram.
Sources expressed hope that the search operation might eliminate possibilities of untoward situation during Ashura. They said the search operation was aimed at arresting militants who were reported to be hiding in the city with a view to launch attacks during Muharram.
According to eyewitnesses, the whole area of Pirabad (Mangopir), especially the Kunwari colony, was fully beleaguered, and detained people were gathered in a ground and their eyes were blindfolded and their hands were tied. They said the RSF personnel conducted an identification parade at the ground and on the identification of RSF's informers suspects were taken into custody, while those who are not identified were allowed to go home.
Khurram Waris, SP, Orangi Town, dispelled the impression that the police had launched the said operation. He said that the operation was launched by Pakistan Ranger, and Sindh Police had only provided assistance in this operation.