GILGIT: A security plan has been finalised for Chehlum of Hazarat Imam Hussain (AS) being observed across Gilgit-Baltistan on Sunday (today).

The main roads of the region, including Gilgit-Skardu, Karakoram Highway, Gilgit-Hunza and Nagar would remain closed during the mourning processions.

A large number of personnel of police, GB Scouts and Rangers will be deployed to ensure security of processions. Checking at entry and exiting points has also been intensified.

Addressing a press conference in Gilgit, SP Raja Mirza Hasan said over 700 police constables and GB Scouts personnel had been deployed along the main procession route in Gilgit. He said the main procession of Chehlum would emerge from Anjuman-i-Hussainia Nagar and would culminate at the central mosque in Amphary.

He expressed the hope the Chehlum would remain peaceful like the previous years.

Meanwhile, a high-level meeting chaired by Gilgit deputy commissioner Naveed Ahmed reviewed security arrangements for the Chehlum processions.

Representatives of police, Rangers, health and works department were in attendance, according to a press release. It was decided that officials of Rescue 1122 and health department would remain alert during the course of processions.

Mourning processions will be taken out in Gilgit, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Skardu, Shigar, Astore, Kharmang and Ghanche districts.

BABUSAR PASS CLOSED: The Babusar pass road has been closed to all kinds of traffic after heavy snowfall on Friday. The road will reopen in June next year.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2019