MULTAN - The Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and other martyrs of Karbala was observed with religious fervour and solemnity here on Friday.
The day passed peacefully amid tight security as no untoward incident took place. Police carried out flag march and heavy contingents were deployed in different sensitive areas of Multan.
About a dozen processions of Alam and Zuljinnah were brought out by the mourners from different parts of city while majalis-e-aza were held in Imambargahs under tight security. The security apparatus was put on red-alert by the district administration to avert any unhappy incident. The participants of Chehlum were frisked with metal detectors by the security officials while walk through gates were installed at those imam bargahs where majlis-e-aza were held.
The majalis-e-aza followed by processions of Alam and Zuljinnah were held at imam bargahs Shah Gardez, Jawadiya inside Delhi Gate, Haweli Murid Shah inside Bohar Gate, Syed Allah Bakhsh Aimanabad, Chowk Shah Abbas and Sooraj Miani. The mourners self-flagellated with sharp knives mounted on chains, blades and swords during the processions.
A central control room was set up at the DC office where focal persons appointed by all departments for Chehlum duty remained present throughout the day. The control room was connected with all other outlets through wireless and landline telephone.
The district health department and Rescue 1122 service established medical camps at the routes of Chehlum processions and offered first aid facility to the mourners, who self-flagellated during the processions.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Multan division Bilal Ahmad Butt and Regional Police officer Muhammad Idrees visited the routes of Chehlum processions and reviewed security arrangements.
Talking to the media on this occasion, the Commissioner said that the security was put on red alert to thwart nefarious designs of miscreants. He added that all out resources would be utilised to maintain law and order.
The RPO said that the processions and majalis were continuously monitored through CCTV cameras while a large number of security personnel were deployed on the routes. He added that every participant of the procession or majlis was frisked with metal detectors while walkthrough gates were also installed. He said that all citizens would have to play their role for peace in the society.