Police have registered cases in various police stations of Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh and Jhang against more than 350 persons, including two dozen contesting candidates (one woman) for violating code of conduct in the on-going local bodies elections. Meanwhile, more than 1200 security personnel are being deputed to maintain law and order during these elections in Faisalabad.
Talking to newsmen, Captain Muhammad Amin Waince (Retd), District Police Officer (DPO) Faisalabad said that 700 polling stations of Faisalabad have been declared sensitive where extra force will be deployed in addition to posting police force at some important focal points. The security personnel include Jawans of Faisalabad Police, Reserve Police and Punjab Constabulary, he said and added 'the army would also assist us to ensure peaceful and smooth conduct of the elections.'
He said that DIG Faisalabad Range Chaudhary Sajjad Ahmad has entrusted him the job for extensive police patrolling and to keep strict vigilance in and around the polling stations. Responding to a question, the DPO said that violence in election will not be allowed and those violating election rules or trying to create law and order situation would be dealt with severely.
He said that scores of people have already been booked under 16 MPO for violating the election rules while many have been arrested on the allegations of taking out illegal processions, holding of meetings and resorting to aerial firing in the election meetings. He said that the candidates and their supporters should desist from taking law in their hands.
Responding to a question the DPO said that he would effectively utilise the available manpower to control the situation at more than 1,1427 polling booths in Faisalabad.