SRINAGAR: Budgam MLA Aga Muntazir Mehdi on Saturday addressed the Legislative Assembly, thanking the Health Department for providing services to mourners during the recent unrest in the valley triggered by the Iran conflict that began on March 28.
Mehdi urged the administration to make proper arrangements for the upcoming Muharram procession, noting that only two months remain before the event. He emphasized the need to coordinate with all stakeholders to ensure smooth arrangements.
He also raised the issue of the ban on the Rouz Ashura procession, stating that the prohibition should be reconsidered. Mehdi criticized the government’s approach of holding meetings at the last minute, saying such decisions often fail to address critical issues effectively.
Pertinently, the 34-year ban on major Muharram processions in Srinagar, Kashmir, was partially lifted in 2023, allowing the 8th Muharram procession on traditional routes. However, the 10th Muharram (Ashura) procession on its traditional 8-km route from Abi Guzar to Zadibal remains banned, with authorities offering alternative routes and restricting the procession to the inner city parts.
