Maharashtra: Tight security on the ocassion of 'Muharram'

Mumbai, Jan 11: Security in the city has been tightened today onwards, following the commencement of the Islamic New Year - ''Muharram''. Members of the ''Shia'' community observe mourning for the first ten days of the New Year and ''Majlis'' is held at different places across the city.

''Since community gatherings are held and attended in large number, we are taking no chance as far as the security is concerned. A strict vigil is being maintained on all such assemblies, particularly in view of the recent blasts in UP, Ajmer and Hyderabad,'' said an official from special branch Mumbai Police.

A extra vigil is being maintained around the area like Dongri, Pydhoni, Bhendi Bazar and Mohammed Ali Road, where Muslims reside in large number.
It may be recalled that recently, there were tensions between ''Shias'' and ''Sunnis'' over certain remarks made by eminent Islamic Scholar Dr Zakir Naik during an international peace conference here.

However, Dr Naik, had apologised for the remarks.

UNI