Old City remains peaceful on Mecca Masjid blast anniversary

Hyderabad, May 18 : The Old City of Hyderabad remained peaceful on the sixth anniversary of bomb blast at Mecca Masjid on Saturday.

Although there was no anticipation of any trouble, as a precautionary measure, the City Police made elaborate security arrangements in the entire city, especially around the Mecca Masjid and the Charminar. Large number of police personnel including the platoons of Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed at all sensitive locations. Patrolling was also intensified in all the areas. However, the situation remained peaceful throughout the day.

It may be mentioned that nine people were killed and 58 injured in the bomb blast that took place after Friday prayers at Mecca Masjid on May 18, 2007. Further, five more people were killed outside the mosque when the police opened fire on a group of protestors.

Although there were symbolic protests after Zohar (afternoon) prayers at Mecca Masjid in the past on the anniversaries, no such protest took place on Saturday. In fact, the number of people who offered Zohar prayers on Saturday at Mecca Masjid was less compared to regular days. The shops and establishments too remained opened in the Old City including the markets around Mecca Masjid.

The security arrangements made for the anniversary will remain in force till Sunday night, police sources said. INN