(photo : www.imamsadr.ir)

8,000 to guard Karbala on Ashura

Karbala, 2007/01/21, IRIB

Iraq will deploy about 8,000 policemen and security guards in and around the holy city of Karbala this month for the mourning ceremony on the Day of Ashura or Imam Hussein's (a.s.) martyrdom anniversary.

Karbala Governor Akil al-Khuzai said nearly three million pilgrims are expected to the ceremony, the holiest on the Shiite calendar, which runs over 11 days from January 30.

Police Chief Major General Muhammad Mohsin Abu al-Walid said security preparations were already under way, with new checkpoints to be erected in and around the southern city over the next few days.

The authorities have also drawn up ajoint plan with neighbouring provinces to secure roads leading to Karbala, while a vehicle curfew will be imposed inside the town and a rapid action force will be on alert in case of emergencies, he said.

Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Muhammad's (s.a.w.a.) grandson - Imam Hussein (a.s.) - in Karbala in the seventh century.

Muslims all over the world commemorate the event every year remembering Imam Hussein (a.s.) and his companion's brave fight against the enemies of Islam in Karbala.

Ashura is a symbol of resistance against oppressors.
 
Ashura-Karbala