RAWALPINDI: Contrary to predictions of sectarian violence made in intelligence agency reports, Ashura went by peacefully in the garrison city.

The Punjab government, which received numerous reports, had declared Rawalpindi ‘sensitive’ and made arrangements accordingly. The memory of last year’s sectarian violence in Raja Bazaar, the worst in the city’s history, was still fresh.

Fortunately peace prevailed in the city and participants of processions managed to offer their religious rites safely.

The provincial government attributed peace to the security arrangements made. However, some residents were of the view that this year’s peace was proof enough that last year the administration failed to take adequate security measures.

On Tuesday, processions were brought out from Imambargah Qadeemi, Imambargah Hifazat Ali Shah and Imambargah Col Maqbool, which joined the main procession at Fawara Chowk. The procession passed through Asghar Mall Road, Benazir Bhutto Road, Committee Chowk, Iqbal Road, Raja Bazaar and Jamia Masjid Road before ending at Imambargah Qadeemi Shahnazar Pul.

Special stalls offering food and drinks were set up.

Participants flagellated themselves to mourn the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions.

Heavy contingents of police and personnel of law enforcement agencies had cordoned off the entire route of the procession. Containers were placed to block roads and slip streets.

Armoured personnel carriers, bomb disposal squad, fire brigade, Rescue 1122, ambulance squads and technical sweeping personnel remained on high alert.

Helicopters monitored the route and nearby areas while the City District Government Rawalpindi officials and police officers conducted aerial monitoring. As many as 200 CCTV cameras had also been installed.

Army, Rangers, anti-riot personnel, plainclothesmen and policewomen patrolled the city.

On Wednesday, Muharram 11 procession was taken out from Misrial Road and it culminated at Shah Pyara, Chur Chowk. Police along with other law enforcement agencies sealed Peshawar Road from Pirwadhai Mor to Chairing Cross and diverted traffic to alternative routes.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2014