Over 5,000 cops guard Yaum-e-Ali processions

LAHORE:

More than 5,000 police personnel were deployed to provide foolproof security to the mourners as Yaum-e-Ali (RA) passed peacefully in the metropolis on Saturday.

Comprehensive security arrangements were made by Lahore Police, under the supervision of Acting Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore, Shehzada Sultan.

The security of the provincial capital was beefed up and personnel remained on high alert all day. Special check-posts were established in different areas of the city, to monitor the movements of the citizens and vehicles, apart from exit and entry points.

The main procession of Yaum-e-Shahadat was brought out from Mubarak Haveli inside Mochi Gate and peacefully completed its over six kilometer voyage to Karbala Gamay Shah after Maghrib prayers. All streets on the main mourning procession’s route were completely sealed with barbed wire, containers and barriers.

Participants underwent thorough security checks at the entry points of processions through four-layer security mechanism. Snipers were posted on rooftops and vantage points overlooking the main route. Community volunteers performed checking and search duties along with police officers.

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Ladies police officials and female volunteers also performed body search of female participants in special cabins.

Teams from Dolphin and Mujahid Squads, Police Response Unit, ARF, Elite Force, SSU and Police Stations ensured effective patrols around Imambargahs and mourning processions.

All activities of Yaum-e-Ali important locations, including Majalis and processions, were continuously monitored at Control Rooms with the help of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) and District Government CCTV cameras.

Mobile phone services remained suspended in specific areas of the city.

CCPO Lahore directed the deployed personnel to remain on high alert at their posts. The CCPO, along with senior police officers, met with community leaders, Majalis organisers and license holders to assure them of foolproof security for the participants of all the day’s programs.

The community leaders and organizers of Youm-e-Shahadat programs expressed their complete satisfaction over the security arrangements. They expressed their gratitude to the CCPO for his personal interest and dedication to ensure security to all Imambargahs, majalis and processions of the city on the day.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 24^th, 2022..