SIC rally restrained in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: Police stopped the rally of Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) by blocking the roads with containers in Sawan Adda, Rawalpindi, Geo News reported.

According to the details, SIC Saturday protested against the Taliban attacks on the religious sites and condemned law and order situation in the country.

Over hundred local leaders and activists of Sunni Ittehad Council were arrested.

Police has stopped the rally where the activists held sit-in and determined to move forward.

Police in twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi jump-started into action since Saturday morning in a bid to stem Council's Long March from Islamabad to Lahore. Hazrart Bari Imam Shrine was sealed.

The workers of Sunni Tehreek (ST) arriving on board Khyber Mail were arrested at Rawalpindi Railways station.

According to Cantt Police Station, at least 50 people were taken into custody. Meanwhile, Sunni Council spokesman claimed over 200 of their workers were nabbed.

In view of security apprehensions, the government was in top gear since yesterday to stanch Islamabad-Lahore Long March announced by Sunni Ittehad on topic 'Save Pakistan'.

Islamabad's exits and entry points especially those roads leading to Bari Imam Darbar were heavily guarded with baton-wielding police contingents armed with tear-gas shells and armored personnel carrier (APC). Police were given duties outside madaris in support of Sunni Tehreek. Also, some local leaders were browbeaten into staying back.

Police took 19 Tehreek workers including a local leader during an operation in Jhelum. According to Rawalpindi officials, over 100 people have been taken into custody.