KARACHI: Youm-i-Ali — the day to remember martyrdom of Hazrat Ali — was observed across Sindh as mourning processions that were taken out in all major cities and towns across the province on Monday ended peacefully amid tight security.

In Karachi, the main procession was taken out from Nishtar Park and after passing through its traditional route it terminated at Imambargah Hussainia Iranian in Kharadar in the evening.

As part of security measures, all entry points along the route of the procession were sealed off by placing containers till late in the night.

The participants in the main procession offered Zuhrain on main M. A. Jinnah Road.

After the prayers, the Imamia Students Organisation (ISO) held a protest demonstration against Israel and the United States and other global forces for their ‘anti-Islam’ agenda and ongoing atrocities against innocent people of Palestine.

The route of the main procession was completely sealed and there was no entry or exit permitted. All those intending to join the procession were first frisked by scouts before being allowed entry. Those who had earlier come to attend the majlis at Nishtar Park underwent at least three layers of security checks, all managed by the scouts.

Shops situated along the route of the procession were sealed by police since Sunday night, while police and Rangers personnel remained deployed on rooftops for monitoring the procession. A team of the bomb disposal unit swept the route ahead of the procession.

At the culmination of the procession, buses were arranged at Tower for the transportation of the mourners. Besides deployment of Rapid Response Force, police commandos and armed personnel of Special Security Unit of Sindh police and additional forces were also deputed for the procession security.

HYDERABAD: The Anjuman-i-Imamiya Sindh (AIS) staged its central procession which started from outside Karbala Dadan Shah and culminated at Qadam Gah Maula Ali.

It was the second year that majlis of Youm-i-Ali was held on the road outside Dadan Shah due to the ongoing dispute between the AIS and Anjuman-i-Hyderi. They were engaged in a legal battle over the use of Qadam Gah Maula Ali that’s why the AIS was holding its majlis on the road.

Syed Ziaul Hassan Kazmi addressed the majlis. The Anjuman-i-Hyderi held its majlis at Qadam Gah Maula Ali after fajar prayers of 21st Ramazan.

The central procession route remained completely blocked to all kind of movement since afternoon. Police closed all thoroughfares connected with the rout. Traffic movement remained suspended till the procession passed through the area.

The traffic had been diverted to other roads since afternoon. Mourners gathered at Karbala Dadan Shah to participate in the procession staged under the aegis of the Anjuman Imamia Sindh.

The Rapid Response Force led by Sub-Inspector Maik Abbas provided security to the procession. Al Rahim Shopping Centre, Saddar Bazaar and shops at Lajpat Road, Khokhar Mohallah and Gari Khata remained closed.

The mourners, including women, children and elder persons, marched towards Qadam Gah Maula Ali and reached there at around maghrib prayers to break the fast. All closed streets and thoroughfares were opened in the evening.

Mourners brought out tabarukat – a replica of Hazrat Ali’s mausoleum – and zuljinah. They headed for Qadam Gah Maula Ali through Universal Chowk, Society Chowk and through the Lajpat Road area.

The mourners were reciting nohas and mersias (elegies). Many were beating their chests during the procession. They brought out taboot (coffins), two zuljinahs, tazia and alams. Allama Asad Raza addressed the majlis before the procession proceedings began.

Hyderabad SSP Amjad Shaikh and DIG Tariq Dharejo, Hyderabad DC Tariq Qureshi visited the procession also. A Bomb Disposal Squad first swept the area before the procession started.

Policemen and Rangers performed duties on the route of the procession. Close circuit television cameras were also installed at the gates of Imam Bargah Karbala Dadan Shah and Qadamgah Maula Ali.

MIRPURKHAS: Processions here in the city and other towns of the district were taken out amid tight security.

Mirpurkhas SSP Asad Chohadhry was supervising the security arrangements. Personnel of law enforcement agencies were deployed at the main intersections, roads, and exit and entry points of the city. Patrolling was intensified in the district.

All the processions reached Imam Bargah Makhan Shah where later a majlis was held.

Similar processions were taken out in other towns of the district, including Mirwah Gorchani, Digri, Jhuddo, Tando Jan Muhammad, Naokot, Kot Ghulam Muhammad, Sindhri, Khaan, Hingorno, Phuladyyoon, Jhilori etc.

Mourning processions were also taken out in many cities and towns of Larkana, Sanghar, Badin, Qambar-Shahdadkot, Dadu, Thatta, Sujawal and other districts.

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2024