Traditional Chehlum processions end peacefully in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: Amidst tight security arrangements, processions were held to mark the chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and other martyrs of Karbala with traditional zeal, fervour and reverence in the garrison city on Sunday.

The main procession emerged from Imambargah Baltistania. It passed through its traditional, pre-determined routes and culminated at Imambargah Qadeemi after evening prayers.

Mourners carried battle standards - alams – and recited nohas. Some also performed self-flagellation. A large number of women and children also participated in the processions.

Stalls for 'sabeels' of milk and 'sherbet' were also set up along the route of the processions.

Religious leaders and speakers also paid homage to Imam Hussain and his companions and urged the participants to promote unity within their ranks and shun sectarian differences.

The district administration had devised a stringent security plan to maintain law and order. A control room was set up in the offices of the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) to monitor the security situation. Thousands of police officers were deployed while walkthrough gates were installed to check suspects.

All roads and streets leading to congregations were sealed off.

All traditional processions routes were cordoned off for all kinds of private and public transport including at Committee Chowk, Trunk Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, College Road and Jamia Masjid Road.

Police had cleared the routes of the processions in various parts of the city with the help of bomb disposal squads for the safety of mourners.

Police and law enforcement agencies strictly monitored the people staying at hotels and guesthouses in the city as well.

Rescue 1122 had made arrangements to deal with any emergency, besides providing medical treatment to those self-flagellating.

Meanwhile, City Traffic Police (CTP) had prepared a traffic plan for Chehlum to facilitate the mourners.

According to the plan, there was a complete ban on parking any vehicle, motorbike and handcarts on the route of Chehlum processions. Chief Traffic Officer (CTO)/SSP Muhammad Bin Ashraf said and informed that three DPs, 14 inspectors, 152 traffic wardens and 32 traffic assistants special were deployed on the occasion to maintain traffic flow. APP

Published in The Express Tribune, October 21^st, 2019.