Devotees turn a blind eye to security concerns at Qalandar's urs

765th urs celebrations of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar begin in Sehwan with great enthusiasm

HYDERABAD: If the February 16 terrorist attack at Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar's shrine was meant to scare people away, devotees eschewed such a plan on Monday at the beginning of the three-day long 765th annual urs of Hazral Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. Defying not just trepidation of being blown up by a suicide bomber or an explosive device but also the sizzling heat, a flood of devotees thronged Sehwan.

"For us [devotees] it's only 'dama dam mast Qalandar [every breath intoxicated by you, Qalandar]'," verbalised Imam Dino Khaskheli, a resident of Larkana, as he gave himself up to ecstasy, dancing to the beat of drums in the shrine's compound.

The real name of this 13th century saint was Syed Muhammad Usman Marvandi. Lal, Shahbaz and Qalandar are his appellations referring to the colour of his apparel, his devotion symbolised by a falcon and the sufi order to which he belonged respectively.



The formal inauguration of the urs was performed by Governor Muhammad Zubair, who laid a floral wreath on the sufi saint's grave and offered fateha for him. Auqaf Department Adviser Pir Ghulam Shah Gilani received him at the shrine and presented him an ajrak and a Sindhi cap.

Defying not just trepidation of being blown up by a suicide bomber but also the sizzling heat, a flood of devotees thronged Sehwan. PHOTO: APP

"Some elements are trying to sabotage peace and harmony of places like Qalandar's shrine. But they are destined to fail," the governor said.  Parliamentary Minister Nisar Ahmed Khuhro and Transport Minister Nasir Hussain Shah were also present on the occasion.

 

Security Arrangements

In order to address security concerns, the government has taken several measures. As many as 4,500 policemen, 300 Rangers troops, 500 special branch officers and 400 traffic personnel have been deployed in Sehwan to avoid any untoward incident. Moreover, over 200 closed-circuit television cameras have been installed in the premises of the shrine and roads of the city to keep a watch on the activities of the people. Walkthrough gates have also been installed at the mazar. Six drone cameras are also being used to carry out surveillance.



The deputy commissioner, Munawar Ali Abbassi, said vehicles are not allowed entry inside the town. People have either to walk for around three kilometres or take a rickshaw to reach the shrine.