Urs of Sakhi Sarwar: Protest erupts after ban imposed on dhamaal

DG KHAN: Devotees and traders on Tuesday staged a sit-in at a main artery of the city after the local administration imposed a ban on a devotional dance, dhamaal, at the shrine of Hazrat Sakhi Sarwar, while also closing the adjoining markets in view of terror threats.



The 836th death anniversary celebrations of the Sakhi Sarwar are currently under way and thousands have gathered at his shrine to participate in the festivities.

However, the district administration has ordered closure of the adjoining markets due to security reasons. It has also imposed a ban on dhamaal.



This decision sparked protest on Tuesday as devotees as well as local traders blocked the Quetta-Dera Road, causing suspension of inter-provincial traffic for two hours.  They demanded that the administration should focus on eradication of terrorism rather than closing shrines. Later the protesters dispersed peacefully.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2017.