Nearly 19,000 cops deployed to secure 525 processions

More than 200 processions will be taken out in Hyderabad city alone

HYDRABAD:

As many as 525 mourning processions will be taken out on Yom-e-Ashur in nine districts of Hyderabad Division. In a commitment to ensuring the security of mourners, a staggering force of 18,965 police personnel will be deployed to shield these processions and guard the places where Sham-e-Ghareeban Majalis and Tazia processions will be held.

On 9th of Muharram, 285 mourning processions were taken out, each guarded by a contingent of 14,753 police officers. Additionally, 366 solemn Majalis were also under their watchful eye. DIG Peer Muhammad Shah has directed all SSPs within Hyderabad Range to orchestrate foolproof security arrangements. Their approach involves strategic deployment, diligent patrolling, stringent snap checking, fortified picket setups, and vigilant monitoring of the districts' entry and exit points.

The SSPs are personally charged with overseeing the main processions' movements, ensuring they traverse their designated routes without hindrance. State-of-the-art CCTV cameras serve as the eyes of guardianship, capturing every momentous step along the way.

Anticipation intensifies as the Hyderabad police prepare to independently deploy around 5,000 policemen, standing unwaveringly vigilant to secure the processions, Majalis, and Tazias during the observance of the 10th of Muharram.

With the aura of solemnity permeating the air, Hyderabad will bear witness to over 200 processions. Among them, the central procession, organised by Anjuman-e-Imamia Sindh, holds a place of eminence. Embarking from Qadam Gah Maula Ali (RA) and culminating at Karbala Dadan Shah, this symbolic journey will be enshrined with the protection of 1,400 vigilant policemen.

In a commendable effort to ensure a seamless passage, numerous roads and streets intersecting along the 1.6 kilometres route will be cordoned off, accommodating the dignified movement of both vehicular traffic and pedestrians. Mourners will gracefully enter through seven walk-through gates near Bacha Khan Chowk, while their exit point awaits them near Karbala Dadan Shah.

A state-of-the-art central control room, vigilantly stationed at City Police Station, will oversee the entire procession through its network of CCTV cameras. This revered spectacle will be joined by dozens of other significant processions later in the day, each uniquely representing the collective reverence of the mourners. Leading the way will be the bomb disposal squad, clearing the path, paving the way for the procession.

An additional 1,500 policemen shall be stationed alongside other mourning processions, exemplifying an unyielding commitment to safeguarding every mourner. As the central procession of Tazia progresses, approximately 700 cops shall form a shield of protection around its hallowed path.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2023.