9th of Muharram: Security stepped up for mourning processions

ICTA bans pillion riding, partially suspends cell phone services in the city today

ISLAMABAD: The capital will bear a sombre yet partially  martial appearance today (Tuesday) as it observes Muharram 9  today.

The city’s administration and security forces have ordered stringent  measures  to maintain complete security for the numerous processions due  to be taken out today, including the main procession which is expected to be taken out from the Markazi Imambargah in G-6/2.

Among the security measures that will be adopted include a one-day ban on pillion riding for Tuesday, a partial suspension of cellular networks and closure of roads.

District Magistrate Captain (retd) Mushtaq Ahmed banned pillion riding exercising his powers under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code. An order issued by the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICTA) on Monday explained that the ban had been imposed to maintain peace and order in the capital.



“It has been brought to my notice  that certain pillion riders are likely to resort to violence and acts of sabotage aimed at disrupting peace and tranquility causing damage to public life and property during the upcoming few days,” read  the DM’s  order.

The administration has also announced that mobile phone services in sectors G-6, G-7, G-8, F-6, and F-7, areas where processions will be taken out, will remain suspended from noon to 10pm on Tuesday.

While It is a public holiday  in the country , all  city, markets, malls and cinemas are also expected to remain closed  in the city.

The Islamabad police had already said they would be deploying around 10,000 policemen, duly supported by 1,500 officials of the paramilitary Rangers and 500 officials of the Frontier Constabulary.

Police sharpshooters would be deployed on rooftops along the Muharram procession routes.

Processions

The main  procession is expected to start from the Markazi Imambargah G-6/2 and pass through Luqman Hakeem Road, G-6 Service Road, Saddar Road, Streets 33 and 40 in G-6/1, Municipal Road, Melody Chowk, Shuhada Chowk, Aabpara Police Station, Polyclinic, before circling back to Luqman Hakeem Road and finally culminating at the Imambargah at around 6:30pm in the evening.

In this regard, traffic police will close for traffic 7th Avenue from F-6 to Aabpara, and Fazle Haq and Luqman Hakeem Road from China Chowk to Kulsum Plaza from 8am to 8pm. Similarly, Melody Chowk will also remain closed.

Parking along the procession routes has also been prohibited.

Though the entire G-6/2 sector and parts of G-6/1 will be closed for the security of processions, police officers said arrangements would be made so that people can still access Polyclinic hospital.

Apart from these roads, all other major roads will be open for traffic on Tuesday.

Earlier in September, the ICTA had banned eleven clerics, including  Maulana Abdul Aziz of Lal Masjid and Amin  Shaheedi of Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen, from delivering speeches and addressing any congregation in the capital for two months.

Similarly, 16 other clerics of various sects were banned from entering Islamabad. The step had been taken on the advice of Special Branch of the police to maintain law and order during Muharram.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 11^th, 2016.