Amid heavy security: Mourners converge in Rohri for procession

SUKKUR:

Thousands of mourners from across the country began arriving in Rohri on Sunday amid tight security to participate in the Muharram 9 procession.

The procession is expected to start early on Monday morning at what is known as ‘shama gul’ (lights off) from Mehfil Shah-e-Khurasan. The main procession will pass through Shahi Bazaar and stop at Mando Khabar Jo Pirr.

Then it will move through Shahi Bazaar, National Bank Chowk, Chabotra Chowk, Dhak Bazaar, Gajwani Muhalla and Wichoro Chowk, terminating at Dargah Haider Shah Haqani at Karbala Chowk. On Tuesday, the procession will begin from Karbala Chowk and, passing through the GT Road, will end at the graveyard behind Rohri railway station.

Strict security measures have been adopted in and around Rohri, with all of the town’s entry and exit points sealed. The GT Road has also been closed off. Every mourner is being checked at five to six different points before being allowed access to Rohri. A heavy contingent of policemen and Rangers has also been deputed. The army has been kept as a backup in order to cope with any untoward incidents.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2014.