MINGORA: People on Thursday thronged Barikot area in Swat for attending a three-day Tableeghi Jamaat congregation.

Organisers said over 0.4 million people from across the country were likely to participate in the event.

According to the district administration, 860 policemen and 2,400 volunteers have deployed in the area for the protection of participants of the congregation.

In the day, security plan for the congregation came under discussion during a meeting at the commissioner’s office in Saidu Sharif.

Commissioner of Malakand division Mohammad Afsar Khan was in the chair, while the meeting was attended by the officials of civil administration, the army and representatives of Tableeghi Jamaat.

The participants discussed security arrangements for the congregation and called for better coordination between preachers and officials of law-enforcement agencies to prevent untoward incidents.

They decided that the district administration, the army, police and other relevant departments would remain alert during the three days of the congregation.

The commissioner said all health centres in Swat, Batkhela and Chakdara areas would remain open 24 hours a day during the three days, while six ambulances along with doctors and necessary medicines would be present on the occasion.

He urged the relevant officials to ensure that participants of the congregation don’t use gas cylinders for their and others’ safety.

CONCERN OVER TARGETED KILLINGS: The Swat Qaumi Jirga comprising peace volunteers on Thursday showed concern over the growing targeted killings in the district and asked the government to take steps for the people’s protection without delay.

The jirga met here with peace volunteer Haji Zahid Khan in the chair to discuss the recent targeted killing of PML-N activist Gran Khan in Matta Bazaar.

The participants said it was the responsibility of government to provide security to the people.

He criticised police for stopping officials guards from performing duty along with peace volunteers in the district.

“If anything bad happens to volunteers or important persons, then the government will be responsible for it,” he said.

UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES MAGAZINE: The University of Swat on Thursday launched a monthly magazine, Campus Bulletin, on the main campus here.

The eight-page bulletin published by the department of media and communication studies carried news and pictures of the university’s important events, the latest scientific research and literary stuff, including book and film reviews.

Vice Chancellor Professor Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan was the chief guest during the magazine launching ceremony, where registrar, teachers and students showed up in large numbers.