SRINAGAR: Renowned cleric Aga Syed Hasan Almosvi Alsafvi alleged on Monday a lack of foolproof arrangements for the observance of the upcoming Muharram in the Kashmir Valley.
Accusing the government of ‘bias and discrimination,’ Aga Syed Hasan said that the government is not keen on making arrangements for Muharram, which is going to start in a week’s time. “Arrangements are made months before for Amarnath yatris. It’s good that such arrangements are made for Amarnath pilgrims, and we are happy. But at the same time, it is disturbing to see the discriminatory approach from the government,” he said, adding that arrangements should not be made based on religion.
“We need uninterrupted power supply, clean drinking water, and sanitation, but such arrangements are missing. There is a cold response from the government,” he claimed.
Aga Syed Hasan appealed to the government to completely lift the ban on Muharram processions. “If there is peace and stability, then why are Muharram processions being banned? We expect the government to allow Muharram processions this time,” he said.
Aga Syed Hasan also highlighted the problems and grievances faced by the people of Budgam district. He said scores of people visit him with their grievances. “People face multiple problems, and there is nobody to listen to them. On the one hand, much hype is being given to so-called development, and on the other hand, grievances are not being addressed,” he said, adding that some educational institutions in Budgam are understaffed, and some are headless.
He said a 150-bed hospital was recently approved by the government for the Budgam district, despite the fact that people had demanded a 500-bed hospital. (KNT)
