SRINAGAR: Over one lakh mourners converged in Srinagar’s old city on the eve of Ashoora to remember the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in Karbala.
Ashoora, the 10th day of the month of Muharram, was observed across Jammu & Kashmir with religious fervour. Shia Muslims carried out processions in Srinagar, Budgam, and other districts, which culminated peacefully.
On the 10th of Muharram, Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and 72 other family members and companions were martyred in the Battle of Karbala in Iraq. Their martyrdom is observed globally, with Shia mourners holding huge processions, thumping their chests, and reciting praises for Imam Hussain (AS).
All roads leading to the main procession, which started from Bota Kadal Lal Bazar to Zadibal, were closed by the authorities to ensure a peaceful passage.
A top official, speaking to KNO, stated that over one lakh people participated in the Muharram procession in Srinagar.
Throughout the day at Zadibal, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), political parties, civil society members, as well as the police and civil administration, set up stalls to provide refreshments to the mourners.
Zadibal witnessed a massive flood of mourners and Shia Muslims on the eve of Ashoora. Most of the Shia mourners were seen participating in the procession without shoes, symbolising their remembrance of the hardships faced by the Karbala martyrs while fighting the adversary amid scorching heat.
The authorities deployed police and CRPF personnel in procession-bound areas in Srinagar and elsewhere to ensure a peaceful culmination.
A huge Muharram procession was also taken out at Bemina. Similarly, Muharram processions were carried out in Budgam district, in Pattan and Delina areas of Baramulla district, Wularhama Pahalgam, Sopore, Halkha, and Chaturgund in South Kashmir, with thousands of mourners paying tribute to the Karbala martyrs.
In addition to the Shia processions, Sunni Muslims organized Ijtimas in local Masjids, during which religious clerics delivered speeches and shed light on the events that took place in Karbala.
Meanwhile, Shia mourners at Saidpura area in Sopore town also took out a procession while carrying copies of the Quran to express their love and send a message against the burning of the holy book in Sweden. Er Fida Hussain, who participated in the Muharram procession, condemned the unholy act, stating that the Quran teaches tolerance and brotherhood. Many mourners carried the Quran with them in the procession to condemn the burning of the holy book.
Regarding security arrangements, ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar, speaking to reporters at Bota Kadal area of Srinagar, stated that a foolproof security cover was in place for the smooth conduct of the Ashoora procession. He praised the changing Kashmir and the cooperation of the people, emphasising that without their support, such events would not be possible.
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Muhammad Aijaz Asad expressed solidarity with the Shia community on the eve of Youm-e-Ashoora, the day Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) was martyred in Karbala.
He emphasised the need to spread the message of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS). The administration had allowed the grand Ashoora procession from Bota Kadal to Imambara Zadibal, a decision praised by Shia leaders and mourners who thanked the LG Manoj Sinha led administration for this historic decision.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri thanked the people for their cooperation, stating that elaborate arrangements were made for the smooth conduct of Ashoora processions across Kashmir.(KNO)
