Chehlum observed in Rawalpindi amidst tight security

Rawalpindi: The processions of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) Chehlum, taken out from different localities of the city on Monday, passed through their traditional routes peacefully amid tight security arrangements.

The main ‘Zuljinnah’ procession was taken out from Imambargah Colonel (retd) Maqbool Hussain. It passed through its traditional routes, including Bhabra Bazaar, Jamia Masjid Road, Banni Chowk, Fawara Chowk, Lal Haveli, Raja Bazaar, China Market, DAV College Road, Tyranwala Bazaar and finally culminated at the Qadeemi Imambargah. Some of other ‘Zuljinah’ processions also taken out from Gora Syedan, Matwali Imambargah, Imambargah Shah Chan Chiragh, Imambargah Baltistan, Imambargah Satellite Town, D-Block, Hussainia Imambargah and Imambargah Qasra also joined the main procession and mourners proceeded towards Qadeemi Imambargah.

All roads on the routes of Chehlum processions remained completely closed for all kinds of traffic. Around 12 other big and small ‘chehlum’ processions from Adiala, Dhoke Syedan, Dhoke Ratta, Jhanda Chichi, Jhangi Syedan, Chaklala, Dhaman Syedan, Muslim Town, Chur and some other localities also joined the main procession at Imambargah Colonel (retd) Maqbool and later marched towards the Qadeemi Imambargah.

DCO Talat Mehmood Gondal imposed Section 144 here in Rawalpindi on Monday. Pillion riding was also banned for one-day on the occasion.The commissioner Rawalpindi Division and city police officer (CPO) also visited all around Rawalpindi to check security arrangements. No one was allowed to enter processions without thorough checking. Police officials patrolled on different roads and also positioned on the rooftops to ensure security. No one was allowed on the rooftop of houses. The organisers of the mourning processions fully cooperated with the city district government to avoid any untoward incident.

The traffic wardens had closed Murree Road from Liaquat Bagh to Waris Khan due to Chehlum procession. Around 1,500 police officials including special branch officials were continuously roaming all around.