Youme-e-Ashura Observed in Rawalpindi under Tight Security
The day is observed to commemorate the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his 72 companions at Karbala to uphold the truth
Big and small Muharram processions were taken out under tight security measures and culminated after passing through their designated routes.
As many as 80 mourning processions were taken out on ‘Youm-i-Ashura’ (10th Muharram) from different areas of Rawalpindi city and its adjacent areas.
This year, strict security measures were adopted for the security of the mourning procession and complete route was fully covered by the security personnel. The mourners performed ‘zanjir zani.’ A large number of ‘sabeels’ of water and milk, including ‘langar,’ were arranged for the mourners.
According to the city district government, the local management ensured presence of doctors and ambulances on all traditional routes to provide first aid to the mourners.
The ‘Rescue 1122’ staffers and Civil Defence officials were also present on this occasion to provide necessary assistance to the mourners. Walk-through gates were installed besides extra-ordinary security arrangements at the sites of ‘majalis’ and ‘imambargahs’ to maintain security.
Police were present along all the mourning procession routes. Security officials were deployed on the rooftops of nearby buildings and along roadsides to avoid any untoward incident.
Hospitals were directed to remain alert for any emergency situation and provide relief to the mourners.
Besides air surveillance by army helicopters during Zuljinnah processisons, more than 5000 police personnel were deployed in the city for the security of more the processions and worship places already declared ‘highly sensitive’ on Ashura.
Total 10,000 security personnel were deployed in Rawalpindi region on Ashura. Contingents of Army and Rangers were also available in four districts of the division.
Total 209 mourning processions were taken out in Rawalpindi region including 65 of Chakwal district, 49 of Attock district, and 30 of Jhalem district.
The main Zuljinnah procession of Rawalpindi city was given a ‘box formation’ security. Police personnel, including Elite Force commandos, personnel from special branch, bomb disposal experts and women police personnel were deployed for the security of Ashura processions.
Personnel of Punjab Constabulary were also performing security duty.
The entry of the participants of the processions was allowed through walk-through gate while no vehicle was permitted entry into the processions. Parking of vehicles was allowed 200-metre away from the procession and nobody was allowed to park his vehicle near Imambargahs or any other worship place.
Pillion riding was banned in Rawalpindi district on Ashura. Mobile service was also suspended here from 6 am Friday on 10th of Muharram to protect gatherings and processions held in connection with Yaum-e-Ashura.
A central control room was set up at DCO office to monitor the processions and coordinate with the police deployments. As many as 120 close circuit television (CCTV) cameras were installed at 27 different points in Rawalpindi city and cantonment areas.
Meanwhile, the city traffic police had chalked out a separate traffic plan to facilitate the mourners and Ashura processions and a control room was also set up at the traffic headquarters.
Source: APP
