AS Ashura, which falls on Friday this year, draws close, religious activities related to Muharram are reaching their climax. Traditionally, the majalis and mourning processions on Muharram 8, 9 and 10 see the biggest turnout of people. Hence, the need for greater security precautions. Administrations in several parts of the country have already announced security measures: in Balochistan, 20,000 law enforcers will be placed on security duty; while nearly 70,000 police personnel will be deployed across Sindh. Indeed, with hundreds, if not thousands, of majalis and processions being organised across Pakistan, and sectarian hate groups bent upon disturbing communal harmony by targeting these religious events, it is a major challenge for the state to provide security cover. So far Muharram has been peaceful with effective security cover. However, the state must remain vigilant in the run-up to Ashura, particularly considering that new administrations are in place at the centre and in the provinces.

A few tested steps can help ensure that the mourning period passes by off smoothly. Firstly, any rabble-rousers stoking sectarian hatred must be dealt with firmly by the law, while intelligence agencies should be on their toes to thwart any attempt by militants to disturb the peace. And in case of any disturbance, the state, community leaders and ulema must do their utmost to calm matters and restore order. The media also has a responsibility to not publish or broadcast inflammatory material. ‘Fake news’ and rumours on social media must also be monitored. Multilayered security around mourning events has successfully been deployed for the past several years, with police and rangers on the outer cordon, and scouts and community volunteers manning the inner tier. This model needs to be replicated. And while the mourning period reaches its climax on Ashura, majalis will continue throughout Muharram and Safar, which is why the state must remain vigilant.

Published in Dawn, September 18th, 2018