Mourning the past: With strict security measures, Ashura observed peacefully

 

The martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions was peacefully commemorated on Friday as Youm-e-Ashura, the 10th day of the first Islamic month of Muharram, was observed amid heightened security measures.

Tens of thousands of people thronged the streets throughout the city, being part of over 650 large and small processions, merging ultimately into the main mourning procession of the day that started from the Nishtar Park as thousands of police, Rangers, scouts and volunteers were on security duty which included aerial surveillance by helicopters.

Zuljinah, the imitation of the horse of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), also accompanied various processions and so did several craftily made tazias and alams. Mourners beat their chests and hurt their bare backs with razor sharp knives attached with chains as they expressed grief over the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions.

Earlier, participants of main procession attended a majlis at Nishtar Park, where Maulana Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi discussed the importance of Ashura in Islamic history. Thereafter, the participants offered Friday prayers at Imambargah Ali Raza near Numaish Chowrangi.

The procession culminated peacefully at Hussainian Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar, after passing through its traditional route of Nishtar Park, Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Road, Mehfil-e-Shah- e-Khurasan, MA Jinnah Road, Mansfield Street, Preedy Street, Bolton Market, Bombay Bazar and Nawab Mahabat Khanji Road.

The entry of vehicles and pedestrians to all roads and lanes connecting the route of the procession was blocked by the placing of containers, besides all shops and markets along the route were sealed. Cellular services in the city remained suspended from Muharram 9 and pillion riding was banned as a precautionary measure.