Srinagar, July 4 : For the third consecutive year, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Friday facilitated the peaceful conduct of the 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar along its traditional route from Guru Bazar to Dalgate, marking a significant continuation of religious freedoms previously curtailed for over three decades.
Details available with news agency JKNS stated that, Amid tight security, thousands of mourners participated in the early morning procession that commenced at 5:00 AM. The procession passed through Budshah Kadal and Maulana Azad Road before culminating at Dalgate. Devotees beat their chests and recited elegies in memory of Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in a display of deep faith and discipline.
Senior government officials, including Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, IGP Kashmir V K Birdhi, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr. Akshay Labroo, and SSP Srinagar Dr. Sandeep Chakarvarti joined the procession at Lal Chowk and served water to mourners under intense heat, drawing appreciation from the participants.
Speaking to media, Div Com Bidhuri said, “All necessary arrangements including drinking water, health services, traffic diversions and security were made in advance to ensure smooth conduct of the procession.” He urged mourners to maintain the sanctity of the event and stay true to its religious purpose.
IGP Kashmir, V K Birdhi, said the administration was in dialogue with organisers of the 10th Muharram processions in various locations to ensure that Ashura is also observed peacefully. “We are committed to supporting all religious events with due coordination,” he said.
Traffic police had issued early advisories, rerouting vehicles via Residency Road, Hari Singh High Street, and Jehangir Chowk. Water sprinklers and hundreds of community volunteers were also deployed to assist the mourners.
Notably, the 8th Muharram procession had remained banned since the late 1980s due to security concerns. The ban was lifted in 2022 under the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha-led administration, with arrangements improving each year since then.
The 8th of Muharram holds immense significance in Kashmir’s Shia community and precedes Ashura, the 10th day, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions at Karbala.
Thousands are expected to participate in upcoming Muharram events, with the administration reiterating its commitment to ensure peaceful and secure religious observances across the Union Territory.
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