Youm-e-Ali processions culminate peacefully across Sindh

Strict security measures taken by law enforcement agencies

KARACHI/HYDERABAD/SUKKUR: Amid rigorous security, thousands of people took part in Youm-e-Ali mourning processions across the province on Saturday.

The central procession to mark the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (RA) culminated peacefully at Karachi's Imambargah Hussainian Iraninan in Kharadar. Several smaller processions originating from separate parts of the city converged at Nishtar Park into the central procession where noted scholars addressed participants and highlighted various noble aspects of the life of Hazrat Ali (RA).

After the address, the main procession started from Nishtar Park and followed its traditional routes through MA Jinnah Road to culminate at Imambargah Hussainian Iraninan. Thousands of mourners, including women and children, took part in the procession.



The day is observed every year on Ramazan 21 across the country with religious fervour and reverence. Strict security measures were taken by law enforcement agencies to avoid any untoward incidents. A ban on pillion riding was also imposed in order as part of the extraordinary security measures taken for the day.

All roads and streets connected to main MA Jinnah Road were sealed with containers from Numaish Chowrangi till Tower. More than 5,000 law enforcers performed security duties along the route of the central procession.

Bomb disposal squad and intelligence officials were also deployed along the route, while the procession was being monitored through closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. The procession was provided full security cover and aerial surveillance continued from the morning till the culmination of the procession.

Besides law enforcers, various political parties and non-governmental organisations also set up camps to provide assistance to mourners. Ambulance and fire brigade services were also on high alert along the procession route.



Home Minister Sohail Anwar Siyal also visited the routes of the main procession and reviewed security measures. Rangers Director-General Major-General Muhammad Saeed and Karachi Additional Inspector-General Mushtaq Maher were among several senior officials of the Rangers and police who visited the procession and reviewed security measures.

Hyderabad

Thousands participated in the mourning procession in Hyderabad that began at Karbala Dadan Shah. The procession marched for around two kilometres through Raheem Shopping Centre Road and Station Road before culminating at Qadam Gah Moula Ali.

Around 2,000 policemen and 250 volunteers were deployed for security, while all 52 roads and streets intersecting the procession's route were sealed. Snipers were also deployed on 28 buildings, while the procession was monitored through 28 CCTV cameras from two separate control rooms.

A bomb disposal squad team moved ahead of the procession, clearing every step of the way along the route. Mourning processions were also held in Mirpurkhas, Thatta, Badin, Matiari and other districts of Sindh.

Sukkur

A number of religious organisations held seminars in which glowing tributes were paid to Hazrat Ali (RA). A procession from Markazi Imambargah Ghareeb Abad in Sukkur passed through Shikarpur Road, Minara Road, Station Road, Mahal, Ghanta Ghar Chowk and culminated at its starting point.

A large number of mourners accompanied the procession, while police escorted them to provide security. All shops on the procession route remained closed throughout the day.

With additional reporting by APP