In memory of Karbala martyrs: Chehlum procession passes peacefully in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI:

A mourning procession to mark the Chehlum of Imam Hussain and his companion passed peacefully in Rawalpindi amid tight security on Thursday.

The local administration and police had made elaborate arrangements to secure procession routes. At least seven small and major processions were taken out which culminated at Qadimi Imamabargah after passing through designated routes. The main procession was taken out from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain in Teli Mohalla. The processions passed through Committee Chowk on Murree Road, Iqbal Road, Colonel Maqbool Imambargah, Fawara Chowk in Raja Bazaar and Jamia Masjid Road before it culminated at the Banni area.

The police had cordoned off all procession routes including Trunk Bazaar, Dingi Khoi area and the Jamia Masjid Road.

Several roads and streets had been blocked by placing containers and other hurdles to provide security to the mourners and to avoid any untoward situation. Police, bomb disposal squad personnel and members of Haideri Scouts frisked the people while throwaway gates had been erected outside the main congregation area. The police also detained a suspect at the Raja Bazaar area and shifted him to the police station for investigation.

Earlier, while talking to the media, City Police Officer Israr Ahmed Abbasi said that 5, 000 police personnel have been deputed in the city for the security of the mourning processions. He said that 15 sections of Rangers were also present as back-up. The CPO said that army has also been put on high alert in case the security situation arised.

While speaking on the occasion, religious scholars said that Imam Hussain and his companions faced the wrath of a tyrant and his forces but did not surrender as they were fighting for a cause and truth.

The speakers urged the participants to follow-in the footstep of Imam Hussain and his companions and raise their voice in favour of the oppressed in the society. The religious scholars also urged for religious harmony and unity within the Ummah to fail the nefarious designs of detractors. Later, the Chehlum participants dispersed peacefully.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 4^th, 2015.