Day of remembrance: Chehlum observed amid tight security

BAHAWALPUR/ FAISALABAD: Over two dozen majalis and processions were held in Faisalabad to mark Hazrat Imam Hussain’s (RA) chehlum. The main procession started from Imam Bargah Jaffaria Trust in Mohallah Santpura. The participants marched on various city roads and after making a round of the Clock Tower, returned to Imam Bargah Jaffaria Trust where the procession ended. Participants of other processions marched at Douglas Pura, Regal Road, Jhang Bazaar, Clock Tower, Kutchery Bazaar, Gol Cloth Bazaar, Rail Bazaar, Amin Pur Bazaar, Bhowana Bazaar, Narwala Chowk, GC University Chowk and the Central Imam Bargah. As many as five superintendents, 13 deputy superintendents, eight inspectors, 61 sub inspectors, 218 assistant sub inspectors and 2,450 constables were deputed for security duties. As many as 12 teams of the Elite Force were on patrolling duties. Police also installed 21 CCTV at various points to monitor the processions. In Bahalwapur, 32 processions and 69 majalis were held. As many as 916 police officials were de deployed for security duties. A Rangers company was on stand-by. In Rahim Yar Khan, 16 processions and 13 majalis were held.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 14^th, 2014.