LAHORE: The main Ashura-i-Muharram procession, marking the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions, was taken out from Nisar Haveli inside Mochi Gate at midnight on Tuesday amid extraordinary tight security.

Hundreds of thousands of mourners beat their chests while reciting elegies inside Mochi Gate which is the historic hub of Shia community in Lahore.

The procession will leave for its destination, Karbala Gamay Shah, outside Bhati Gate, after passing through its traditional route inside the Walled City after Fajr prayers and culminate on Wednesday evening.

Sabeels of eatables have been set up on the route of the procession.

There are three layers of security in and around the Walled City. Thousands of policemen in uniform and plainclothes are guarding the procession. They include lady police and are assisted by security agencies, army and the Rangers.

Hundreds of CCTV cameras too have been installed to closely watch the procession and to guard against any untoward incident.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif presided over a meeting at the Integrated Command and Control Centre which reviewed in detail security arrangements for the protection of life and property of people on Youm-i-Ashur.

He directed that security measures for maintaining peace on Youm-i- Ashur should be monitored continuously and no effort should be spared for ensuring law and order.

He said that no negligence towards implementation of security plan evolved for this purpose would be tolerated and the code of conduct should be strictly implemented.

He said the cabinet committee on law and order should ensure implementation of the security plan.

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2016