Under strict and unprecedented security arrangements, the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (RA) was observed with traditional religious solemnity and spirit on Monday in the city. Ali, who was termed as Lion of God by the Holy Prophet (PBUH), was the first cousin and son-in-law of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He was also the fourth caliph of Islam and famous for his bravery and brilliant military tactics. Mourners took out the traditional procession from Mubarak Haveli inside Mochi Gate, which was late by one hour due to some security issues, which were resolved afterwards.
The procession ended in the evening at Karbala Gamay Shah after passing through its traditional route, Imambargah Ghulam Ali Shah, Chowk Nawab Sahab, Mochi Gate, Lal Khoo, Fazal Haveli, Takia Nathay Shah, Koocha Shian, Chuhatta Mufti Baqar, Old Kotwali, Kashmiri Bazar, Dabbi Bazar, Sunehri Masjid, Paniwala Talab, Chowk Nogaza, Chawk Tarannum Cinema, Chowk Tibbi, Bazar Hakeeman, Chowk Novelty, Mohalla Jogian, Oonchi Masjid and Bhaati Gate.
In view of last year’s deadly triple suicide blasts, the district government had taken strict security measures for the procession, as a large number of policemen were deployed on the route and other sensitive places. The policemen had taken positions at rooftops of buildings along the route and nobody was allowed to stand and watch from rooftops and balconies. The procession route was secured by policemen standing on the route area while snipers were seen standing on tall buildings for surveillance and quick action. On orders of the CCPO, specials street lights were placed on the procession to ensure maximum surveillance. All connecting passageways were closed and policemen deployed to ensure security.
Cars were parked far away from the procession site. Metal detectors were used to check all women attending the procession. After the procession, to ensure safe dispersal of the crowd, fresh batches of policemen were deployed at the scene. The crowd dispersed peacefully after the event. Police stayed until the crowd had left the spot.
Special control rooms were established at different points to monitor the situation, both manually and through close circuit televisions installed at sensitive points for the purpose. Scanners were erected at entry points of the procession route. Shias were happy to see the security arrangements made by police. “The procession ended with peace, what else would we have wished for”, citizen Ali Naqvi, who had came all the way from Model Town to attend the procession in the Walled City, said.
The procession concluded one hour before schedule after reaching Karbala Gamay Shah at around 5:30 pm. The procession was led by leading zakis while different groups of noha khawans paid tributes to Hazrat Ali (RA) during the procession. Mourners had Iftar at Karbala Gamay Shah after the culmination of the procession. Other functions were also held in the city during which zakirs urged Muslims to follow Hazrat Ali (RA) and his family.
