By Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net,
Lucknow: Clashes and stone pelting marred the traditional Chehallum procession here on Sunday. However, heavy police force deputed at the spot brought the situation under control. The procession was later taken under heavy police security.
Chehallum procession is taken out in a grand and traditional manner in Lucknow. As per the tripartite agreement between District Administration, Shias and Sunni sect done on April 25, 1999, the Chehallum procession is taken out from Imambara Nazim Saheb and culminates at Talkatora Karbala. The procession has to be taken out between 1 pm-6pm.
The procession on Sunday started from Imambara Nazim Saheb with Maulana Kalbe Jawwad addressing the majlis. Later, it passed through Shia PG College, Nakhas, Bazar Khala Police station and reached Eveready Crossing. Here some people tried to take out an Alam from a local mosque. It was resisted by other community. Soon a verbal duel started over the matter.
Meanwhile, gunshot was also heard and people started running for shelter. Stone pelting from both sides started which continued for more than 20 minutes. The RAF which was deputed during the procession rushed to the spot and controlled the situation. Heavy police force was rushed to the spot and the area was cordoned. Later, the procession was allowed to pass amidst heavy security. The processions which included taziyas and alams reached Talkatora Karabala.
Though the situation was controlled well in time, tension was palpable on the residents of old city. People were seen standing in groups and discussing the matter while police asked them to remain indoors.
District administrative officials stated that the whole procession was under the CCTV monitoring and the footage will be utilised so that the elements who fomented trouble could be identified.
Various clerics including Maulana Kalbe Jawwad had appealed to the people for maintaining peace.