Like others parts of the country, the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his faithful companions was observed on Sunday, with religious spirit and reverence. The mourning procession was taken out from Nishter Park, which after passing through its traditional route ended at Hussainian Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar peacefully.
The cellular phone service remained partially suspended around Jaloos route and adjoining localities. The home department also imposed a one-day ban on pillion riding across Sindh on account of the Chehlum. Followed by a Majlis at Nishtar Park, the main Alam rally passed through Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto Road, Father Jaminis Road, Mehfil-e-Shah-e- khurasan, Peoples Chowrangi, New MA Jinnah Road, Corridor-III, Saddar Dawa Khana, Preedy Street, Tibet Centre, MA Jinnah Road, Bolton Market, Bombay Bazaar, Kharadar, Nawab Mahabat Khanji Road and ended at the Hussainian Iranian Imambargah Kharadar right after dusk.
The city police also arranged alternate traffic plan to ensure smooth vehicular movement on the city arteries. The government ensured foolproof security arrangements with deploying around 5500 police besides, paramilitary Rangers personnel on the jaloos route and on rooftop of high-rise buildings to avert any untoward incident.
As per the security plan, some 18 SPs and 43 DSPs were deployed at different points to maintain law and order. The entry points of the procession were monitored through CCTV cameras. Devotees including women and children were seen thronging towards Nishtar Park all the way from different parts of the city including Malir, Korangi, Ancholi, North Nazimabad etc. by busses, private vehicles, and public transport.
Earlier in morning, an Alam procession was brought from Shah-e-Najaf Imambargah on Martin Road to Nishtar Park. The participants of the jaloos, held prayers of Zohrain in congregation near Peoples churangi. Religious scholars put light on various aspects of the Karbala tragedy, and paid tribute to Imam Hussain (AS) and his loyal companions who rendered their precious lives for the supremacy of Islam, prevalence of core human values, and justice.
Hundreds of people distributed 'niaz' including food, milk, soft drinks and water, fruits etc. to participants of the mourning processions. Emergency Control Room (ECR) was also established in the main office of district South, which performed overall monitoring of the main procession, besides responding to public complaints. Chehlum marks the culmination of a 40-day mourning period after the 10th of Muharram, the martyrdom date of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his 72 faithful companions on 680 AD.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2019