Hazrat Ali (RA)’s death anniversary: Country’s largest Youm-e-Ali procession takes place

Main procession travels from Nishtar Park to Kharadar

KARACHI: The central procession to mark the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (RA) concluded peacefully at Hussainian Iraninan Imambargah in Kharadar on Monday evening amid tight security.

The procession, said to be the largest on the occasion in the country, started from Nishtar Park in the afternoon. Several small processions from the across the city also converged into the main one.

A large number of police and paramilitary contingents were deployed on the procession route for security purposes. According to the city police spokesperson, Qamar Zaib Satti, a total of 5,571 personnel were deployed at the procession, including 22 superintendents of police and 43 deputy superintendents. A total of 146 police vehicles, including armoured personnel carriers, moved with the procession, the police spokesperson added, while helicopters also hovered to check security measures.



The procession formally started with a majlis by Maulana Majid Raza Abidi who, in his sermon, shed light on the life of Hazrat Ali (RA) and also on the advice the fourth caliph gave to his children before breathing his last.

In his address, Abidi highlighted various aspects of the life of Hazrat Ali (RA), and why he is considered a source of knowledge and symbol of tolerance, bravery, generosity and eloquence even today.



The participants of the procession then offered Zuhr prayers at Imambargah Ali Raza at around 2pm. From there, they moved through the traditional routes, passing through Empress Market, Regal Chowk, Preedy Street and Kharadar before ending the march at Hussainian Iranian Imambargah.

Other processions in Sindh

Several Youm-e-Ali processions were held Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas and Nawabshah divisions on Monday. In Hyderabad, the main procession, organised by Anjuman-e-Imamia Sindh, started from Karbala Dadan Shah and ended at Qadam Gah Maula Ali (RA) in the evening.

Around 2,000 policemen, 350 Rangers personnel and 250 police commandos were deployed to secure the procession in Hyderabad while all 52 intersecting roads and streets were sealed off. Meanwhile, the largest procession in Mirpurkhas started from Bara Imambargah and ended at Dargah Makhan Shah.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2016.