Muharram processions: Heavy security arrangements in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi
Jul 17, 2024
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 17 : Security arrangements have been heightened across different places in Mumbai in wake of Muharram procession underway on Wednesday.
The police said that they have beefed up the security for a smooth conduct of the procession.
"The Muharram procession was taken out today. A large number of people come into it. The police have made a lot of arrangements for this. The police have deployed forces in large numbers. Our arrangements are strong. People are requested to follow the guidelines given by the police," Abhinav Deshmukh, Additional Commissioner of South Region, Mumbai, told ANI.
Also, on Tuesday, Mumbai Traffic Police issued a traffic advisory in view of the Muharram procession. The procession is being carried out in the area of Dharavi, from Dharavi 60 ft. road, 90 ft. road, Mahim Sion Link road, Sant Rohidas Road, and other adjoining areas.
The traffic arrangements on a temporary basis are in place from 3pm on July 17 until midnight.
The Muharram procession also took place in Hyderabad, Telangana. A large number of people took part in it.
Meanwhile, security measures have also been heightened in Delhi. Elaborate arrangements are in place to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the processions across the national capital, officials said.
"Security arrangements have been made on the routes of the procession. Strong arrangements are in place," Achin Garg, Additional DCP, South District, Delhi, told ANI.
"Full preparations have been made by the traffic police...Traffic staff has been deployed. Local police has also been deployed... Traffic will be diverted as per requirement... Everyone has been informed about the routes with the help of social media," Additional CP (Traffic) of Eastern Range Dinesh Kumar Gupta.
Visuals from the Jama Masjid area showed heavy police deployment.
Earlier, the Delhi Traffic Police also issued an advisory in view of the Muharram processions on Wednesday. As per the advisory, major routes and areas affected include Jama Masjid, Chawri Bazar, Okhla, Kamra Bangash, Mehrauli, Old Police Chowki, and Nizamuddin. The movement of city buses will be restricted and regulated on certain routes from Wednesday afternoon until night.
Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow, authorities have made elaborate arrangements for the Muharram observances.
"Twelve companies of the Pradeshik Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been deployed as part of the security measures. We are also monitoring the situation via drones, and our media cell is keeping an eye on social media to ensure no rumours are spread," Lucknow Joint CP (Law and Order) Kirit Rathod told ANI on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, a rare traditional Muharram procession was held at the world-famous Dal Lake in Srinagar on the occasion of Muharram, the day before Ashura, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussain.
Similarly, in Maharashtra, people attended a Muharram Tazia procession in the Dongri area of Mumbai.
Earlier this year, the All India Shia Personal Law Board had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure adequate security arrangements for the Muharram processions. The board urged the Prime Minister to ensure security on the routes determined by the state governments so that unruly elements cannot disturb law and order.