Latest news with #MaqboolHussain
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Chehlum to be observed amid tight security
Six major mourning processions will be held in Rawalpindi and Islamabad to commemorate the Chehlum of Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala on Friday. The processions will take place amid unprecedented security measures, including a complete shutdown of metro bus service, internet, and mobile networks. All routes for the processions were sealed from 1am Thursday night. A total of 8,500 police personnel have been deployed, and all participants will be monitored via drones and 500 CCTV cameras. Carrying weapons, lighters, or batons is strictly prohibited. Five locations along the procession routes have been declared highly sensitive, with Rangers and commandos deployed for additional security. A control room has been activated, and the Triple-One Brigade of the army remains on high alert throughout the day. Mounted police units are also on duty. The first procession will begin at 12:30pm from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain in Teeli Mohalla, reaching the central Imambargah Colonel Maqbool Hussain by 1:30pm. Other processions include those from Imambargah Hifazat Ali Shah at 2:30pm, Imambargah Shaheedan-e-Karbala (Tyre Bazaar) at 4:45pm, Imambargah Darbar Shah Chan Charagh at 3:30pm, and Imambargah Baltistaniya at 1:00pm. These processions will conclude at Imambargah Qadeem around 12:30am after passing through Murree Road, Committee Chowk, Iqbal Road, Fawara Chowk, Raja Bazaar, and other key areas. Participants will perform traditional mourning rituals at each intersection. Congregational prayers for Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha will be held at Fawara Chowk and Jamia Masjid Road, respectively. Water, tea, and medical camps are set up along the routes. The deputy commissioner has imposed Section 144, mandating the closure of all markets, plazas, and mosques along the procession routes. Residents are prohibited from standing on rooftops, balconies, or windows. Entry is restricted to walk-through gates only, and all attendees will be searched across three security layers. Double riding on motorcycles is banned, and all parking and construction materials are barred along the routes. Commandos will also be stationed on rooftops along both sides of the routes, particularly the two-furlong stretch from Fawara Chowk to Dangi Khoi, which has been marked as a high-risk zone and will be personally monitored by top city officials. Female police and commandos have also been deployed for added security.
Hans India
17-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
Moodbidri to Celebrate Revival of Water Heritage with Book Launch on June 18
Moodbidri (Dakshina Kannada): In a significant step toward documenting and celebrating a decade-long grassroots environmental movement, the book 'Lakes and Tanks of Jaina Kashi—Moodbidri' will be officially released on June 18 in Moodbidri. The book captures the remarkable journey of a small heritage town in coastal Karnataka that has led a modern-day Bhagiratha effort to rejuvenate its ancient lakes and tanks. Located 32 km from Mangaluru, Moodbidri is known as Jaina Kashi for its centuries-old Jain heritage and architecture. But over the past few years, it has also emerged as a symbol of people-powered ecological revival. Of the town's 18 historically significant water bodies, 13 are currently under various stages of rejuvenation, with five already restored to their original vitality—just in time for the monsoon. The book, a collaborative initiative supported by the SBI Foundation, Rotary Club, CDD India, and several citizen groups, documents the town's struggle and success in reviving water bodies that had been forgotten or neglected for decades. It profiles community leaders, local activists, and environmental champions like Maqbool Hussain, Dr. Muralikrishna, P. Thomas Kurien, and Dr. Amrut Malla—whose tireless efforts made the transformation possible. The work was also facilitated by consistent support from the current MLA Umanath Kotian and former MLA K. Abhayachandra Jain. 'This is not just about reviving lakes. It's about restoring a town's ecological balance, reclaiming lost cultural spaces, and reducing dependency on overstressed sources like the Phalguni river,' said PK Thomas, one of the principal contributors to the movement and a key figure behind the documentation. The book offers vivid accounts of tanks like Bettkere, also known as Bhattaraka Kere, which dates back to the 12th century BC and has now been restored with the help of local citizens and guidance from the Archaeological Survey of India. Another landmark success is Mohalla Kere, once a garbage dump, revived by residents led by Maqbool Hussain through community mobilisation, manual labour, and scientific desilting. Rejuvenated water bodies like Kadalakere, Kemplaje Kere, and Basavanakaje have not only begun recharging groundwater levels but have also evolved into ecological hotspots, attracting birds and restoring green cover. 'We've seen a clear rise in water tables around these revived tanks. Hundreds of dug wells have water again,' Thomas said. The book also discusses the continued threats faced by water bodies in nearby areas like Karkala, where tanks such as Aane Kere and Sigadi Kere suffer from sewage inflow and unchecked weed growth. Yet, success stories like Endratta Kere and Hariyappana Kere show that sustainable restoration is achievable with local leadership and civic commitment. Looking ahead, the team has already identified Subhashnagar Kere as the next summer revival project, with support pledged by the Dharmasthala temple trust. Even neglected and partially lost tanks such as Ankasaley, Gowri Kere, and Kadedabettu are now being mapped and revived with renewed community interest. The book release on June 18 is expected to draw environmentalists, civic planners, students, and citizens from across the region, offering Moodbidri's revival model as a beacon for sustainable urban water management in small towns across India.
Express Tribune
18-03-2025
- Express Tribune
Pindi boosts security at places of worship
Following security threats, the district administration and police have issued strict instructions to install closed-circuit cameras and walk-through gates and ensure security guards at all major mosques, imambargahs, churches, and temples throughout the district. The committees of these places of worship have been directed to comply with these security measures. Additionally, orders have been issued to install high-quality closed-circuit cameras at all sites. Assistant commissioners (ACs) in various areas will be responsible for monitoring mosques, imambargahs, churches, and temples. The district administration's directive states that cameras must be installed around all places of worship, covering both entrances and internal areas. To address potential power outages, UPS systems and heavy-duty batteries must also be installed alongside the cameras. Walk-through gates will be required at all entry points. The district administration has emphasised that closed-circuit cameras, walk-through gates, and security guards must be in place before Eidul Fitr. Station house officers (SHOs) of all police stations have been tasked with monitoring these measures. Due to security threats, the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) have developed a comprehensive security plan for Eidul Fitr. Under this plan, a heavy police presence, including commandos, will be deployed at all mosques, imambargahs, Eidgahs, and open grounds where Eid prayers will be held. Their deployment will begin at 6am and continue until the conclusion of the Eid prayer gatherings. SOPs issued for Youm-e-Ali Meanwhile, the Punjab Home Department has issued instructions to align the security arrangements for the central mourning procession of the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (RA) on 21st Ramazan (March 22) in Rawalpindi, with the Ashura security plan. Under these instructions, the Rawalpindi district administration has mandated the complete closure of all shops along the procession route during the event. Additionally, standing on rooftops, balconies, and verandas of buildings, shops, and houses on both sides of the route is prohibited. The gathering of building materials, storage of garbage, and parking of motorcycles and vehicles along the procession route will also be prohibited. Barbed wire will be placed around the procession route for added security. The mourning procession will commence at 9pm from Mohan Pura and will follow the traditional route through Novelty Cinema Chowk, Kashmiri Bazaar, Iqbal Road, and Kak College Road, concluding at the central Imambargah Colonel Maqbool Hussain at dawn during Sehri time.
