Security tightened in Lahore for Youm-e-Ali

LAHORE: Preparations were underway to observe the martyrdom anniversary of fourth Khalifah Hazrat Ali (RA) Thursday (tomorrow) with traditional religious solemnity and spirit.
In view of the prevailing lawlessness and terrorism, tight security has been maintained around all the venues of majalis and the routes of the procession, particularly in walled city, with the possibility of suspending mobile phone service. The faithful will hold majalis, conferences and take out Tazia processions to highlight his personality and achievements.
The traditional Tazia Alam procession will be taken out from Mubarak Haveli inside Mochi Gate early Thursday morning and culminated at Karbala Gamay Shah in the eveningafter passing through its traditional route. The route of the procession included Imambargah Ghulam Ali Shah, Chowk Nawab Sahib, Mochi Gate, Lal Khoo, Fazal Haveli, Takia Nathay Shah, Koocha Shian, Chuhatta Mufti Baqar, Old Kotwali, Kashmiri Bazaar, Dabbi Bazaar, Sunehri Masjid, Paniwala Talab, Chowk Nogaza, and Chowk Taranum cinema, Chowk Tibbi, Bazaar Hakeeman, Chowk Novelty, Mohalla Jogian, Oonchi Masjid and Bhaati Gate.
The proceedings will begin with the recitation of Holy Quran followed by Nohas and the description of the invaluable services rendered by Hazrat Ali (RA) for the cause of Islam, and an account of the events which lead to his martyrdom.
The procession will be led by Zakerin while different groups of Matam observers and Noha Khwans will pay tributes to Hazrat Ali (RA) during the procession by conducting flagellation and reciting Nohas.
Volunteers and doctors with ambulances will be accompanying the procession to provide first aid to the mourners at the spot and shift the injured to hospitals. The participants will have Iftar at Karbala Gamay Shah after the culmination of the procession.
District government has taken strict security measures for the procession as large number of police and reserved police personnel have been deployed on the route and other sensitive places. Besides, the policemen have taken positions at the rooftops of the buildings along the route and nobody will be allowed to stand and watch from the rooftops and balconies. Special control rooms have been established at different points to monitor the situation, both manually and through close circuit cameras installed at sensitive points for the purpose. Scanners have been erected at the entry points of the procession route while participants will be subjected to scanning by metal detectors before they are allowed to join the procession.