Daily Times

LAHORE: As many as 501 mourning processions and religious congregations were observed across the city on the eve of 9th Muharram, whereas the processions peacefully culminated to reach their destinations points after passing the tradition routs.

The main mourning processions of 9th Muharram was taken out from Pandu Street and Imambargah Qasr-e-Batool Shadman in which thousands of mourners participated and recited lamentations on the procession routes.

Several processions were also observed in the other part of the city including Wasan Pura, Raiwind, Batapur, Sodiwal, Islampura, Walled City, Samnabad and other areas. The main Ashura procession of the provincial capital started from Nisar Havaili on Tuesday under unprecedented security measures, and would conclude at Karbala Gamay Shah tonight (Wednesday).

Thousand of people were participating in this yearly activity with religious fervour and zeal, while the city police and other law enforcement agencies have beefed up security and sealed-off the city on the occasion with special vigilance on sensitive areas.

The police have established three-tier security measures at all important mourning sites, especially the main procession. The number of CCTV cameras and high voltage lights have been considerably increased this year to ensure crystal clear recording in the surveillance camera as well as for foolproof vigil on the highly sensitive areas, especially Karbala Gamay Shah and adjoining areas. Helicopters were observed monitoring the all-sensitive areas of the main procession in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur and Nankana Sahib.

Officials of Pakistan Army and Rangers have been asked to remain on standby to deal with any untoward situation, while no one is being allowed to enter the main procession during the rally. The deputed policemen are ordered not to leave their duty area until the last person leaves.

The inspector general of police and other high ups are also monitoring the procession routes across the province. After disconnecting the mobile phone service in different cities, police and other law enforcers communicated with each other through wireless system.

Intelligence agencies also increased the usage of non-conventional security methods, including the usage of sophisticated technology and scanning of the procession routes and areas. No person is being allowed to enter or join the main procession from link roads.

On Wednesday, personnel of civil defence, Bomb Disposal Squad, fire brigade, and ambulances would accompany the main procession. Also, free water (sabeel) stalls would also be set up by various religious and philanthropists’ organisations across the city to facilitate the mourners.

The main procession would pass through Imambargah Syed Wajid Ali Shah, Chowk Nawab Sahib, Koocha Qazi Khana, Imambargah Molvi Feroz Ali, Koocha Miskeenan, Mohalla Peer Gillanian, Imambargah Syed Rajab Ali Shah, Chau-Hatta Mufti Baqir, Chowk Kotwali, Kashmiri Bazaar, Sonehri Masjid, Dabbi Bazaar, Gumtti Bazaar, Syed Mittha Bazaar, Tehsil Bazaar, Bazaar Hakimaan, Ucchi Masjid, Bhatti Chowk, Karbala Gamay Shah, Islampura, Jain Mandir, Old Anarkali, Ghazi Abad, Nickolson Road and Imamia Colony. These procession areas have been identified as most vulnerable places in terms of security threats this year.

The police department has also called the Elite Force, Dolphin Force, Mujahid Force, Police Response Unit, Quick Response Force and Tiger Squad in addition to personnel in plainclothes from other intelligence agencies for round the clock patrolling in all sensitive areas. The personnel deputed at city police stations are also directed to keep a vigilant eye on all crowded places situated in their respective jurisdiction.

The law enforcement agencies would continue the search and scanning operation in these areas and on the routes of the procession with the help of modern scanners, sniffer dogs and through human intelligence in order to ensure foolproof security. They would also keep a check on rented houses, small shops and suspicious people in different areas.

The security forces would block all the entry points on the routes and only those who joined the main procession from the beginning, under the observation of police and the organizers, would be allowed to participate in the religious rituals.

No bystanders either on the streets or on the roofs of the buildings would be allowed to stand, while snipers would take positions on different buildings in order to counter any terrorist activity.

Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) captain (r) Amin Wains and DIG Operations Dr Haider Ashraf have said that Ashura taught, peace, patience and to remain steadfast with the truth, and in the light of inspiration drawn from their eternal reality, Lahore Police would leave no stone unturned for safeguarding the life and property of citizens.