Thousands of black-clad devotees marked the Ashura Day to glorify the venerated Imam Hussain (R.A) and martyrs of Karbala for their sacrifices amid stiff security shields in the city. The annual Muharram rituals on Tuesday came to conclusion peacefully as the government had made tight security arrangements with hundreds of Rangers and police personnel deployments.
Thousands of mourners participated in the annual Muharram procession, wearing black clothes and chanting mournful songs, beating their chests with flags in hands rallied through M.A. Jinnah Road. The procession culminated at the final destination at Imambargah Hussainia Irania in Kharadar.
Even though, Sindh Home Minister, Manzoor Wasan had expressed fears of the possible violence at the procession during the Muharram, the event ended peaceful. Scouts organised the procession with the help of police and Ranges. Choppers were continuously flying over the procession route and around to carry out aerial surveillance throughout the day and aided the ground-security personnel to keep a vigilant eye on any suspicious movements to avert violence.
The government had already sealed off link-roads and streets leading to the procession route three days before the final Muharram ceremony on M.A. Jinnah Road. The participants had black flags and banners inscribed with religious scriptures in hands amid loud sorrowful poems and slogans being played at roadside stalls. Big placards, banners, flags and billboards inscribed with religious sayings and verses of the Holy Qura'n, were visible at Nomaish Chowrangi and elsewhere in the city.
A number of roadside camps were set up to provide basic facilities including water and medical assistance to the participants of procession. Watertight security arrangements were made near Nishtar Park and Nomaish Chowrangi where the main processions had to appear.
Several reception stalls were completely packed with sand-filled sacks to shield the organisers from any violent attacks. Huge contingent of Rangers and police were deployed on the procession route and Nomaish Chowrangi, besides on all sensitive point and roads of the city where security threats were prominent to mourners.