Prince, King ensure smooth Muharram in Trilokpuri

Prince and King, two Delhi Police stallions, were at work since 6 a.m. Tuesday ensuring a smooth Muharram in east Delhi's communal violence-hit Trilokpuri.

Prince, 12, and King, 15, are part of Delhi Police's horse unit, officially called the Mounted Police.

Black-coloured Prince and brownish King were put on duty in Trilokpuri to ensure law and order during the Muharram procession.

"King will retire next year. During Muharram last year, he along with Prince was on duty in the Old Delhi area," Divender, his handler, told IANS.

Omvir, Prince's handler, said that each of the around 50 horses that comprise the Mounted Police were on duty across the city Tuesday to ensure hassle-free Muharram.

Muslims observe Muharram to mourn the death of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad in the battle of Karbala.

Trilokpuri witnessed communal clashes over Diwali celebrations Oct 23, which left 60 people, including policemen, injured.

Set up in the 1930s, the Mounted Police horses are used for maintaining law and order in the city. They are now also used in ceremonial functions.

Of the total horses, 47 are lodged in the stable yard at the Provisioning and Logistic unit of Delhi Police located in Civil Lines area of north Delhi, while three are kept in south Delhi's Kalkaji Police Station.

Each horse has a handler, who is of the rank of constable or head constable. The Mounted Police comprises two sub-inspectors, 22 head constables and 75 constables.