Muharram proceedings: Ashura observed peacefully in the province

Clash in Hyderabad leaves eight people injured

KARACHI/HYDERABAD/ LARKANA/SUKKUR:

Youm-e-Ashura, or Muharram 10, was observed peacefully throughout the province with no major incidents, due to security agencies taking strict measures to ensure the safety of the processions.

The main mourning procession in Karachi began from Nishtar Park in the morning. Earlier, a majlis was held, which was addressed by Allama Abbas Kumaili. After passing through its traditional route, the main procession culminated in the evening at Imambargah Hussanian Iranian in Kharadar. The administration had devised fool-proof security arrangements with the deployment of police and law enforcement agencies' personnel. Snipers were also deployed atop buildings along the procession's route. Aerial surveillance of the procession was also carried out.



Amid stringent security measures, Youm-e-Ashura passed peacefully in Hyderabad, where around 400 mourning processions and 77 majalis were organised. However, a minor clash, involving two sectarian groups pelting stones at each other, occurred in Hyderabad's Pathan Colony area outside a seminary. The incident occurred a few hundred metres from Karbala Dadan Shah, where the central procession was scheduled to culminate in the evening.

The police responded swiftly and dispersed the crowd. An armoured personnel vehicle of the police, along with police and Rangers personnel, was deployed in the area. Eight persons sustained injuries in the clash, including three injured by a set of knives used in matam. The police and Rangers detained nine people who were later booked in an FIR lodged on the state's complaint at the Baldia police station.

Moulana Saeed Jadoon, Qari Abdul Raheem, Moulvi Waliullah Hyderi and Hafiz Muhammad Hamza of the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamat (ASWJ) are among those arrested and charged in the case. SHO Naek Muhammad Khoso said that the clash started with both sides shouting slogans at each other. It was followed by hurling of stones and then assaults with wooden sticks and knives.

About 2,000 policemen and 300 Rangers, in addition to volunteers, were deployed, while 200 soldiers of the Pakistan Army were also kept on standby. Up to 100 army troops, each for Dadu and Badin district, were also kept on standby.

The day was also observed in Larkana, Qamber-Shahdadkot, Shikarpur, Jacobabad and Kashmore-Kandhkot districts with religious reverence. Mourning processions were taken out from different areas of Larkana division amid strict security measures adopted by the district administrations.

Police and Rangers patrolled the city throughout the day in order to maintain law and order. The main procession in Larkana city was taken out from Imambargah Syed Jaral Shah Bukhari, which, after passing through its traditional route from Bunder Road to the Imambargah Jaral Shah Bukhari. The administration made strict security measures and deployed over 2,600 security personnel, including police and Rangers.

Tazia, Alam and Zuljinah processions were taken out in all big and small cities and towns across Sukkur, Khairpur, Ghotki, Noshehroferoze and other districts of northern Sindh, which after passing through their traditional routes, terminated at the main Imambargahs.

Radio Pakistan Khairpur and local FM channels broadcast special programmes to highlight the importance of the event. Sabeels and first aid camps were set up by scouts groups, welfare organisations and political parties. A number of social organisations had also set up their medical camps throughout the route of the processions.

In Sukkur the main processions were brought out from Markazi Imambargah Gharib Abad on Shikarpur Road. Zuljinah processions, taken out from different Imambargahs and joined the main procession. All these processions merged together at Clock Tower where Zohr prayers were offered and mourners were addressed by religious scholars. The main procession then culminated at Markazi Imambargah. The police and Rangers were deployed at various points to ensure the safety of the mourners. 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 26^th, 2015.