by Jahangir Sofi
SRINAGAR: For the second consecutive year, the Jammu and Kashmir administration allowed the 8th Muharram procession to proceed from Guru Bazar to Dalgate in Srinagar. This significant event, marking a peaceful commemoration of Hazrat Imam Hussain’s (AS) martyrdom, saw the participation of thousands of mourners.
The procession, which had been banned for over three decades, was permitted last year, a decision widely welcomed by the community and Shia leaders alike.
The route of the Muharram procession began at Guru Bazar, passing through Budshah Kadal and Moulana Azad Road, before culminating at Dalgate. The approval for this year’s procession came after a request from the Yadgar-i-Hussaini committee and subsequent consent from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar, and the district administration.
A local resident expressed his satisfaction, stating, “Seeing mourners commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) is indeed a positive step. This procession was previously banned, and being allowed to hold it since last year is a welcome move.”
A volunteer from the Yadgar-i-Hussaini committee highlighted the challenges faced in securing permission, underscoring their commitment to the mission of Imam Hussain (AS).
The Srinagar administration mandated the use of only the left side of the road to keep the right side open for emergency services. The procession, starting at 6 am from Guru Bazar, was scheduled to cross Jehangir Chowk by 6:30 am and the J&K Bank Headquarters on M.A. Road by 8 am. However, as the numbers surged it took a long time to pass through and tens of thousands of vehicles were caught in a traffic jam.
Key conditions outlined in the order included prohibitions on anti-national or anti-administration activities, preservation of communal harmony, respect for state security, and adherence to all rules to avoid law and order issues.
Division Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, noted in a media statement that arrangements for this year’s procession were better than the previous year, ensuring the smooth conduct of the event.
