GUJRANWALA – The processions of Ashura marched through city roads and reached their destinations peacefully under unprecedented security measures and the mourners paid glowing tributes to the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, his family and companions.
More than three thousand police contingents, Elite Force and Pakistan Rangers remained full alert throughout the day and some suspects, mainly Afghan nationals, were also arrested around the routes of procession and are being interrogated.
The main procession began from Imambargah Gulistan Muarfat and the participants marched through college road.After completing round of the interior city, it culminated at its starting point.
The mourners offered Zohar prayers inside Sialkoti gate and then started Zanjeerzani which continued till the sunset. During the procession, clerics continuously preached the teaching and lessons of Hazrat Imam Hussain. After the sunset, the mourners gathered at Imambargah Gulistan Muarfat and held majlises in which renowned Shiite leaders addressed the mourners and recalled the martyrdom of Imam Hussain.
Police and law enforcing agencies remained at their toes as they were tipped off about possibility of expected terror activity in the city. Gujranwala Division commissioner and RPO monitored the security measures and the emergency control room remained intact to streamline security plans.
Police made foolproof security measures and frisked all the participants of the mourning processions.
Besides Police and district administration, a large number of NGOs and volunteers also paid their duties. Milk and tea were offered to facilitate the mourners. Police source told that 319 suspects have been detained on Thursday and Friday morning out of which 19 were Afghan nationals who were found suspected around the route of procession.
Investigations are in progress and most of the pillion riders will be released after completion of investigations, he told. Moreover, a large number of people went into graveyards as well in the morning of Friday and prayed for their love ones.
RENOWNED NAAT KHWAN ASSASSINATED: Qari Muhammad Hanif Rampuri, a renowned Naat Khwan and Chairman Bazam-e-Hassan, was assassinated on Saturday afternoon near upper Chenab canal. Jinnah Road Police Station told that Hanif Rampuri, a 45-year-old, was on his way to his native village Botala Sandhuwan along with a guard and daughter when four unidentified armed assailants ambushed his car and shot him dead on the spot and fled away.
Police source ruled out any terrorist activity and added that deceased had history of enmity in his village. Qari Muhammad Hanif was father of six children and had performed all over Pakistan as well as abroad.
