In mourning: Amid security threats, Chehlum processions pass through Sindh

Approximately 5,000 policemen were deployed to guard the main procession in Karachi.


Our Correspondents December 13, 2014

SUKKUR/ HYDERABAD/ KARACHI: The central procession of the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) culminated peacefully under tight security in Karachi on Saturday. Approximately 5,000 policemen were deployed to guard the main procession. Snipers were posted at the rooftops of buildings on the route of the central procession.

Despite security threats, the procession passed through traditional routes and peacefully concluded at Hussainian Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar. The central majlis was held at Nishtar Park before the procession.

Addressing the mourners, scholar Allama Talib Jauhri paid tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and other martyrs of Karbala.

After the central majlis, the main procession started from Nishtar Park. The mourners offered prayers on MA Jinnah Road. This congregation was organised by the Imamia Students Organisation (ISO).

Medical camps and water stalls, known as sabeels, were also established on the route of the procession by various organisations and political parties such as the ISO, Jafaria Alliance, Muttahida Qaumi Movement and Pakistan Peoples Party.

Besides law enforcers, more than 4,000 volunteers from different organisations, including Jafaria Alliance, ISO, Scouts Rabita Council, Shia Ulema Council and Imamia Scouts, were also deployed to ensure security. The streets and alleys joining the routes of the central procession had already been sealed on Thursday night to avoid any untoward incident.

The government had imposed a ban on pillion riding in the city ahead of Chehlum while police patrolling, routine checking, intelligence collection and sharing were also strengthened.

The traffic police also issued an alternative route plan for the people of Karachi in view of security arrangements, mainly in District South of the city.

Upper Sindh

Strict security measures were adopted throughout Upper Sindh to avert any untoward incident on the Chehlum.

In Sukkur, all roads leading to the route of the Chehlum processions were sealed with a heavy contingent of police deployed to keep a vigilant eye. Nobody was allowed to enter without thorough checking.

Similarly, 1,100 policemen, 500 commandos and 300 Rangers personnel were deployed on the procession route in Khairpur. The main procession was taken out from Imambargah Anjuman Haideri, which culminated at Karbala Maula Ground. The bomb disposal squad officials took the spots ahead of the procession to help clear the routes.

Many small processions were brought out from different parts of Larkana, including Jaral Shah, Lahori Muhalla, and Empire Road, which merged with the main procession and ended at Pakistani Chowk.

In Mirpur Mathelo, the main procession was taken out from Baqar Ali Shah Jo Pirr that ended at Imambargah Hussainia. No untoward incident was reported from any part of Upper Sindh.

Lower Sindh

An hour after the Zuhrain prayers, the central procession in Hyderabad commenced from Qadam Gah Moula Ali (RA), Hyder Chowk. It passed through Station Road, Hosh Muhammad Sheedi Road and Dadan Shah Road. The procession culminated at Karbala Dadan Shah a kilometre away.

Around 2,000 policemen were deployed for security. All markets along the route were shut down before the procession.

Chehlum was also observed in Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Jamshoro, Badin, Thatta, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Nawabshah and other districts.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 14th, 2014.

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