Mourning processions: Chehlum observed peacefully across the province

Large number of processions taken out in major cities of K-P.

PESHAWAR/ BANNU/ DI KHAN: The Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain was observed on Saturday amid tight security in various parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

A large number of processions were taken out from the major imambargahs in Peshawar including Qissa Khwani, Saddar and Gulbahar. Thousands of mourners participated in the processions. Police personnel ensured all security measures were complied with.

Several shops and bazaars in the walled city were sealed. Qissa Khwani and Khyber Bazaar were cordoned off and barricades were placed at their entry points.

Hangu

A series of peaceful processions were taken out in Hangu district. The main procession was taken out from Mohallah Saidan and concluded peaceful at Qaumi Imambargah Pas Kalay after passing through its designated routes.

The district administration took strict security measures to avoid any untoward incidents. Consequently, all routes of the procession were covered with barbed wire and entry points to routes of processions and the imambargah were sealed.

The security of the procession was led by commanding officer Hangu Colonel Afrasiyab and DPO Hangu Falak Nawaz Bangash. Hundreds of security personnel, including police, elite forces and FC officials, were deputed to guard the procession routes.

Speaking at the procession, Shia leader Syed Hussain Ali Shah Alhussaini voiced satisfaction over the security arrangements. He lauded the efforts made by security personnel and elders of the Sunni sect to maintain peace in the district during the processions.

According to Alhussaini, both sects have joined hands to maintain peace and prevent sectarian violence in Hangu district.

Bannu

The Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain was observed in a peaceful manner in Bannu district.

The district administration introduced a series of security measures. A large number of police officials were deputed on the procession routes and Section 144 was imposed to ensure that the situation does not spiral out of control.

According to a statement issued from the office of the deputy commissioner in Bannu, a ban on pillion-riding, the entry of Afghan nationals inside the city and display of weapons was imposed to ensure foolproof security.

According to an official of the Bannu police, the use and display of weapons was banned across the district. Moreover, action was taken against people who were seen carrying guns.

Ashiq, a bystander, was put behind bars, after he was seen carrying a gun in Domail area. Moreover another person identified as Najib was taken into custody after he tried to snatch a gun from a police official deputed to guard a procession in the area.

DI Khan

Peaceful processions were taken out in DI Khan. The police devised a foolproof security plan for Chehlum to ensure no untoward incident took place. Pillion riding was banned in the district. Before Chehlum, the district administration of DI Khan held meetings with Shia and Sunni leaders to brief them on the security arrangements.

A series of Chehlum processions and programmes were held throughout the city and in adjoining villages. However, routine activities in the city did not come to a halt. Traffic flow on the road was not disrupted and shops remained open.

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