DADU: Charged devotees thronged the shrine of Qalandar Lal Shahbaz on Thursday to pay respects to the victims of a deadly blast in the shine’s compound area on Feb 16, 2017, in which 100 people were killed and as many were injured.

The defiant devotees started celebrations, which would continue throughout the night, by showering rose petals, laying wreaths, performing dhamals and reciting Quran for the departed souls.

The pilgrims said that terrorists had failed to stop the message of peace and love emanating from Qalandar shrine, which remained abuzz with noises of devotees.

Hyderabad DIG Syed Pir Mohammad Shah said that special arrangements were made to ensure security at the shrine. Police monitored all activities at the shrine through CCTV cameras, he said.

On Feb 16, 2017, at 7:15 am, terrorists bathed the shrine in blood. More than 100 pilgrims were killed and as many were injured in the incident. “210 policemen including women police are performing duties in three shifts at the shrine,” said SSP Imran Qureshi.

“Aquaf department and Sindh government have taken special measures and provided facilities of clean water and medical facilities at the shrine for the devotees,” said Jamshoro deputy commissioner Captain Fareeduddin Mustafa.

“It is my routine to dance to drumbeats at the shrine and I am not afraid of any terrorist activity,” said Jan Mohammad, a devotee.

“I had made a vow to come and dance regularly after the blast in which two of my family members were also injured,” he said.

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2023