RAWALPINDI: The Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain was observed in the city amid tight security on Tuesday.

The main mourning procession was brought out from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain Teli Mohallah and two processions taken out from Imambargah Hifazat Ali at Bohar Bazaar and Imambargah Col Maqbool Hussain joined it at Bohar Bazaar Chowk.

The main procession culminated at Imambargah Qadeemi after passing through Murree Road, Iqbal Road, Fawara Chowk, Raja Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Purana Qila and Jamia Masjid Road.

Thousands of people participated in the procession.

The mourners observed self-flagellation at Bohar Bazaar Chowk, Fawara Chowk, Dingi Khoi and Bara Market.

All the bazaars along the traditional route of the procession were closed. Alternative routes had been provided to the traffic. Markets and bazaars in other parts of the city remained opened.

However, mobile phone service was suspended in many parts of the city. The Metro Bus Service remained opened for passengers but the commuters were less in numbers.

The Punjab government had made special arrangements for the security of the participants. A control room was established at the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) offi ces at Liaquat Road. Army, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies were put on alert and they remained deployed along the traditional route.

Four camps were established along the traditional route of the procession where staff of the bomb disposal squad, fire brigade, Rescue 1122, ambulances of hospitals and technical sweeping personnel remained on alert.

In their sermons, religious scholars shed light on the significance of the supreme sacrifices rendered by martyrs of Karbala.

Deputy Commissioner Omer Jehangir said the procession ended peacefully and no incident was reported from any part of the city.

“We remained present at points identified by law enforcement agencies. All religious scholars and citizens showed maturity and the day passed peacefully,” he said.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2018