Manawan attack: Prior warning about terror strike ignored by Punjab police again

Islamabad, Mar.31 (ANI): The Punjab administration had specific information that terrorists could target police training and recruitment centers in the province, yet the militants succeeded in their plan which was evident from Monday's strike on the Manawan police training academy.

The strike has once again proved that there were serious security lapses on part of the administration, as was the case when the Sri Lankan cricket team was targeted on March 3.

According to sources, the Lahore's Military Corps headquarters had forewarned of a terrorist attack on police buildings and establishments in the province.

According to The News, the Warning tagged as "most immediate" stated: "In the backdrop of the gruesome terrorist act against the Sri Lankan team, terrorists may be prompted to exploit the uncertain internal security environment to perpetrate similar attacks. Apropos, terrorist activities may be manifested as following:a. Terrorists may resort to similar tactics with necessary innovation to target high-profile defence/strategic installations, VIPs, diplomats and other government functionaries.

b. Serial suicide bombings followed by indiscriminate firing of small arms to cause massive casualties.

c. Abduction of VIPs, high-profile civilians or foreigners for a prolonged period.

d. Target important political/religious leaders,"

Moreover, the Punjab IGP, following an attack on the building of Police's special branch on March 23 in Islamabad, in his letter to all the concerned officials had clearly raised fears about such an attack.

The letter stated a six point security arrangement to be made in and around police buildings and establishments such as :

1. SOPs for the security of all police buildings/establishments be followed in letter and spirit and no laxity be tolerated.

2. Snap checking of security arrangements of police buildings/establishments be conducted during day and night by gazetted officers.

3. The capacity/capability of the security staff/sentries be ensured to meet the challenge.

4. Security cameras/security devices installed in buildings/establishments should be in working order round the clock.

5. No unauthorised person or vehicle be allowed access to these buildings/establishments without proper checking and search.

6. No cluster of force should be allowed unnecessarily. However, if it is necessary, all precautions should be taken for the security of the manpower.

But despite such appropriate information, the concerned authority apparently turned a deaf ear to the threat.

And instead of acting on the information provided to them to prevent such attacks, top officials are now patting their own back for ending the Manawan siege in just eight hours. (ANI)