SRINAGAR: MLA Budgam, Aga Muntazir Mehdi on Monday called for the restoration of the traditional Muthida Jaloos Ashura procession route in Srinagar, urging authorities to revoke existing restrictions on the historic Abi Guzar to Ali Park Zadibal corridor.
During the meeting, I reiterated @ShianSharie’s the long-pending demand for the revocation of the ban on the traditional Muthida Jaloos Ashura ( Abi Guzar to Ali Park Zadibal) procession route. V don’t regard Gulshan Bagh as an alternative route but as a compulsion, as the… https://t.co/byKPUjy1Io
— Muntazir Mehdi (@Agasyedmuntazir) June 15, 2026
The demand was reiterated during a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister to review preparations for Muharram across Jammu and Kashmir. The MLA expressed support for long-standing appeals seeking the reinstatement of the original route for Ashura observances.
He stated that the current arrangement via Gulshan Bagh is being followed under compulsion rather than choice, and does not reflect the traditional practice observed by mourners for generations. He further emphasised that the historic procession route holds deep religious, cultural and historical significance for the community.
The MLA maintained that the original route forms an integral part of Kashmir’s religious and cultural heritage and should be restored in view of public sentiment and religious freedom. He also urged the authorities to consider the demand within broader confidence-building measures and in line with democratic values and justice.
