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29-07-2023
SRINAGAR/ ISLAMABAD: After more than three decades, thousands of Shia Muslims in Indian-administered Kashmir took part in a procession to mark 8th, 9th and 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Dressed in customary black, the mourners beat their chests and chanted elegies as they walked through the heart of the region’s main city of Srinagar on Thursday, Friday and Sunday amid a heavy security arrangement.
Muharram is one of Islam’s holiest months when Muslims across the world take out processions to mourn the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain ibn-e-Ali Alaihis Salam (AS), the grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH), who martyred in 680 AD at the Battle of Karbala, which is in present-day Iraq.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar said that the foolproof security cover was ensured for the Ashura procession that started from Bota Kadal area and will culminate at Imambara Zadibal, Srinagar.
Talking to reporters, ADGP Kumar said that foolproof security cover is in place for the smooth conduct of the Ashura in which Shia mourners are taking out a Zuljinah procession from Bota Kadal area to Imambara Zadibal.
“Officers were deployed on ground from midnight to ensure deployment as per the plan,” he said, adding that “allowing the historic procession after a long gap reflects changing Kashmir.”
He said police provides security cover for such events but “ultimate credit goes to the people.” “Without peoples’ cooperation nothing is possible,” the ADGP said.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Muhammad Aijaz Asad said that the administration stands with the Shia community on the eve of Youm-e-Ashura, the day Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) was martyred in Karbala. “Today, the need of the hour is to spread the message of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS),” he said. Pertinently, the administration allowed the grand Ashoora procession from Bota Kadal to Imambara Zadibal on the occasion of Ashoora.
Earlier, on 8th Muharram, the administration had allowed the procession from Guru Bazar to M A Road to Dalgate, for the first time in 34 years. Shia leaders and mourners had thanked the LG Manoj Sinha led administration for the historic decision.
