Amid tight security across Delhi, Muharram observed peacefully

“Four companies of paramilitary force had been deployed in Trilokpuri, since Tuesday evening. We had also conducted meetings with the senior people of different communities two days ago. They appealed to their people to stay calm during the procession,” Pal said.

At least 14 Tazia processions were held in Trilokpuri that concluded at Karbala near the Mayur Vihar police station. Security had been beefed up in the locality after Saturday night’s violence. One person had also been arrested and and booked for rioting after the incident.

Meanwhile, several Tazia processions, taken out from various parts of the city, culminated at Karbala in Jor Bagh in south Delhi. Brigadier Hoshiyar Singh Marg to Aurobindo Marg remained closed for traffic to help smooth conduct of the processions. Police officials said the tight security cover in all districts was also in wake of the terror alert issued by intelligence agencies.

Processions passed through several old Delhi regions, and affected traffic flow in areas like Paharganj, Ajmeri Gate, Chelmsford Road, Connaught Place, Parliament Street, Red Cross Road, Tughlak Road and Aurobindo Marg.

There was heavy traffic on Rani Jhansi Road, Rohtak Road and the Kamal T-point towards Zakhira owing to the Tazia processions. Areas like old Delhi’s Chhota Bazar, Bara Bazar and Shia Jama Masjid areas, the ITO crossing, Okhla, Nizamuddin and Mehrauli areas also witnessed traffic jams.

The Delhi Traffic Police had also created traffic diversions owing to the processions. Roads between Madarsa T-point and INA, Moti Nagar and Inderlok, Zakhira and Inderlok remained closed for Tazia processions and diversions were put in place around Connaught Place and Ring Road.