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 amid stringent security in the garrison city on Thursday.

The main procession emerged from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain Teeli Mohalla and culminated at Imambargah Qadeemi after passing through its traditional, pre-determined routes, before evening prayers.

Mourners carried battle standards – alams – and recited nohas as they made their way to their destination. Some also performed self-flagellation. A large number of women and children also participated in the processions while stalls for 'sabeels' were also set up along the route.

Other processions merged with the main one at different designated spots. The mourners offered afternoon prayers at Fawara Chowk after which the speakers shed light on the sacrifices of Karbala martyrs. They also urged the participants to promote unity and reject those who give air to sectarianism.

The district administration monitored the movements through closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

Traffic plan issued for Muharram 6 processions

As many as 2,300 policemen performed duties to maintain law and order during the entire activity, while walkthrough gates were installed to check suspects.

All roads and streets leading to congregations were sealed off. The designated procession routes were cordoned off for all kinds of private and public transport where parking was not allowed on any of the routes as well. Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) had cleared the routes of the processions to ensure security.

While talking to The Express Tribune, religious leaders said the Muslims around the world were surrounded by enemies. They expressed that some elements tried to harm the country too but they had failed in their attempts.

They openly rejected those spreading sectarianism and said that the Shias and Sunnis stood united in the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 9^th, 2020.