Tight security to mark Zuljinnah procession

LAHORE: The main Zuljinnah procession of the provincial capital, which has over 165 years of history, will be taken out from Nisar Haveli at 11pm today – the ninth of Muharram – to mark the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his die-hard companions.
On Wednesday, hundreds of Majalis were held besides small Zuljinnah processions being taken out to observe Ashura in different parts of the city. Strict security arrangements were made for these small processions and no untoward incident was reported in any part of the city. Security has been on red alert this Muharram in the wake of the recent bombings in Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar.
Also, in their report to the Interior Ministry, the intelligence agencies had expressed fear over the occurrence of a terrorist attack on Ashura. Therefore, heavy contingents of police officials along with intelligence agencies’ officials have been deputed to ensure the safe passage of the Zuljinnah processions and foolproof security at the Majalis being held across the city.
March: A flag march of army vehicles, accompanied by law enforcement agencies’ personnel including the Pakistan Rangers Punjab has also planned to be conducted before the main Zuljinnah procession is taken out from Nisar Haveli that would end at the Karbala Gamay Shah in Lower Mall area.
According to official sources, over 400 Majalis would be held at various imambargahs and private residences in the city today. While dozens of small Zuljinnah and mourners’ processions would also held which increase the significance of the day.
Sources said the majority of the participants of as many as 30 small Zuljinnah, mourners and tazia processions would join the main Zuljinnah procession as it passes through different areas of the city on its set route.
Banned: As part of the comprehensive security plan chalked out by the authorities concerned, the city administration has banned parking of all type of vehicles and even carts anywhere near the procession route.
Besides ambulances and paramedical staff for the mourners, the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) would move along with the main procession throughout its route in case of any emergency. Police officials including those of the Special Branch would be deployed at the top of all buildings along the procession route.
As part of its comprehensive plans, the City District Government Lahore (CDGL) has also hired men who would spray rosewater (Arq-e-Gulab) on the mourners who would take part in the Zanjeeri Matam (self-flagellation) to reduce the smell of blood discharged by the mourners.
Route: The main Zuljinnah procession would follow its 165-year-old route by marching from Mohalla Chehl Bibian Imambargah, Mubarik Haveli, Chowk Nawab Sahib, Koocha Qazi Khana, Imambargah Maulvi Feroze Ali, Koocha Miskeenan, Mohalla Pir Gillanian, Imambargah Syed Rajjab Ali Shah, Chau-Hatta Mufti Baqir, Chowk Kotwali, Kashmiri Bazaar, Sonehri Mosque, Dabbi Bazaar, Gumti Bazaar, Said Mittha Bazaar, Tehsil Bazaar, Bazaar Hakimaan, Ucchi Mosque, Bhatti Chowk and would eventually end at Karbala Gamey Shah.
Sabeels: Special deployment would also be made for the thousands of Sabeels stalls set up every year for the participants of small and big processions as well as for other pedestrians. The stalls are set up with a view to get the blessings of Almighty Allah and to serve water to people, keeping in mind the thirst of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
Instructions for locals: The locals, especially the residents of the walled city and adjacent localities, have been advised not to come out from their homes when the main procession is passing from the area. Only Shias would be allowed to move in the walled city and they too have been advised to keep the Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) with them. The walled city would remain sealed until after sunset on Friday.
Installations: The authorities have also ordered the installation of search lights and Close Circuit Cameras along the route of the main Zuljinnah procession and jammers would also be set up at certain points to disable the use of mobile phones.
In this regard, the Punjab government has already been asked to set up a special monitoring room to receive video feed from all cameras fixed on the procession route, in order to keep on the lookout for any suspicious activity or person. Although the main Zuljinnah procession covers the distance of a few kilometers, it usually takes at least 24 hours to reach Karbala Gamay Shah.