Low-key Ashura
In a week since the commencement of Muharram, at least 16 lives have been lost to targeted sectarian attacks on Imambargahs in Karachi and Rawalpindi. In addition, there have been reports of bombs being defused and removed from sensitive areas in the run up to Ashura. This, in spite of the government’s restrictions and bans on the use of mobile phones and motorbikes, among other preventive security measures.
It is clear that given the current security situation of the country, it would be wise to remain cautious during a sensitive period such as Ashura. There have been suggestions to curb the threats of attacks on Muharram processions by taking alternate routes that comprise roads which are less frequented and congested. Meanwhile, some officials have also urged people to try and remain indoors and hold their religious gatherings away from sites that are commonly targeted by assailants, especially in the wake of sectarian violence.
Is it wrong, then, for officials to suggest that processions be kept low-key affairs and in smaller numbers? There remains a great deal of respect towards the religious zeal and emotions of Shias during Muharram, however, would it be better to take preventive measures during rallies and processions, especially when thousands of innocent lives are at stake?
Would indoor gatherings, lesser number and smaller sizes of processions help avert threats that are known to lurk on such religious events?
The number of attacks and deaths that have occurred during these seven days is already close to the figures from last Muharram and with the increasing number of threats and bombs being found, would it not be sensible to try and lessen the damage by acting cautiously?
okay, we will not hold processions on the road, but please tell me, am i allowed to go to my hometown gilgit via bus?
We are have food shortage in our country in near future….I urged all officials imposing low-key-ashura to go through an operations of genitals removal so they may have no more…. to share the meal in this way they can control famine….sick minded people…if there kids get sick they ditch them so no more to care about ailing ones…..
nice artcle.
The root cause of terrorism in Pakistan is absence of the rule of law. Can anyone tell us how many culprits have been hanged for more than 5000 Shia Muslims martyrs since 1980 in our country, Pakistan?
How about remaining indoors to avoid traffic accidents?
How about banning Hajj processions where hundreds died every year in stampede?
How about keeping whole army indoors to avoid terrorist activities?
Never Never, Terrorism could not control if you minimize the gathering…..This is just a lame excuse…
It means that can we minimize Juma prayrer? can we closed Mosques? can you close GHQ? Can we closed Markets and Bazaars?? Can we close Mehran/Kamra base? can we close Political gatherings? Can we minimize Funeral procession?? Can we close Police thanas, FIA Centers, ISI offices etc etc??
Never Never , not a single said points are not possible….same like lesser Religious procession cant control terrorism…..
I wait for the day when the whole of Pakistan shuts down and protest march and send a clear message against those who target the innocents. I wait for the day when the Ulema come out and announce that whoever kills the innocent will burn in the fire of hell, i wait fort he day when Pakistani journalists will awaken the conscience of pakistanis. Will that day ever come .. i wonder?
I wonder India has the most critical Sunni-Shia Ratio after IRAQ, Its said 65:35.
But no such incidence takes place here.
I saw a big procession in Delhi. With Police diverting traffic to make way for tazia procession.
Also a fact is Hindus support Shias and BJP (Bhariya Janata Party) has big Shia names in it
like ~ Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi & Shahnawaz Hussain.
May Be because in our eyes Shias are less radical and contribute more towards unity and coexistence.
Azim Premji ~ Indias IT Czar and philanthrophist is a Shia.
Also some Brahmins mourn for Imam Hussain ~ Called Hussaini Brahmins who think one of there ancestor went to Karbala and fought against Yazid.
Oh…by the way for all my fellowmen who tend write in the favor of a low key Ashura..When your dear ones are murdered and in the numbers and for a cause make sure you observe a very low funeral…
The literates of our society never fail to amaze me today, Read the blog, I think the Ashura procession has been a thorn in the eyes of a lot of people for the longest time… Well tough luck and nice try, for anybody who long to see this procession shrink… Quite frankly it is scary to go amid such strong threat levels but guess what… its worth it…not to die by a dog blasting himself off but for the cause of the Imam… So keep writing and keep discussing but the message of the Imam is clear.. We stand for the righteousness of Imam Hussein, didn’t submit then, won’t submit today…
We are targets because we come out for our beliefs and God damn the cowards who sneak up and don’t come in front like a man…