The 10th day of Muharram is still being celebrated as Ashura, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Sunday appealed to follow the route shown by Hazrat Imam Hussain, who was moving towards humanity, peace and unity.
In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi shared, “On this day of Muharram, we should resolve to follow the path shown by Hazrat Imam Hussain, which through struggle, sacrifice and dedication leads us to humanity, peace and unity.”
Muharram Shia holds significant religious significance for Muslims. In India, 7-8 crore Shia participates in large processions and Tazia, along with people of various religions, people of various religions.
With Muharram procession and ongoing Kanwar Yatra, in many districts of Uttar Pradesh, in many districts including Sambhal, Lucknow and Mordabad, the state administration has carried forward security measures to ensure peace and to prevent any unpleasant incidents.
A large number of people participated in Muharram processions in various parts of the state. In view of the Kanwar Yatra to be held at the same time, police forces have been deployed in sensitive areas, with drones and CCTV cameras monitor the situation.
Talking to ANI, Sambhal District Magistrate Dr. Rajentor Pennsia said, “We have held various peace committee meetings at the village, neighborhood and district levels. In these discussions, people from all sides were invited. All communities were called, and their issues related to electricity, water and other problems were addressed … If there is any issue, clear instructions have been given.”
He said, “We have appointed a magistrate with police officers, at every place. Any procession, whether for the Kanwar Yatra or Muharram, will be held in a box format, with our officers on all four sides.
In Lucknow, the police take additional precautions in the western region, also known as Old Lucknow, which is considered highly sensitive during Muharram.
DCP Lucknow West Vishwajit Srivastava told ANI, “During Muharram, the western region of Lucknow, also known as Old Lucknow, is highly sensitive. Always a zonal sector system is 24/7. Different arrangements are made for the processions held in the region.”
He said that security is arranged in three layers during the procession. “One box formation is the first step with the procession, the second handle root arrangement, and the third procession is posted at the major places. CCTV cameras have been installed at 82 locations. There are also volunteers of the civil security organization. Three types of drones have been deployed. Our social media team is fully active, and we have been coupled with religious leaders.” (AI)