by Syed Shadab Ali Gillani
SRINAGAR: As the Valley marked Youm-e-Ashura, the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, with deep religious fervour, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions at Karbala, the solemnity of the occasion was accompanied by concern over recent detentions of Shia mourners in Srinagar.
Processions were taken out across districts, including Srinagar, Budgam, Pulwama, Baramulla, Bandipora, Kulgam, and Poonch, with mourners dressed in black, chanting elegies (marasiya) and slogans in remembrance of the stand Imam Hussain took more than 1,400 years ago for justice, truth, and righteousness.
The largest procession was witnessed in Srinagar’s old city, where Lt Governor Manoj Sinha joined the Zuljinah procession at Botakadal, serving refreshments to mourners and paying tribute to Imam Hussain. “His sacrifice for peace, love, and compassion should guide us all. The youth must walk the path of righteousness shown by him,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Other prominent figures who joined processions included Dr Farooq Abdullah, BJP leader Ravinder Raina, and Minister Satish Sharma, all of whom reiterated the universal relevance of Karbala’s message. At Alamgari Bazar, Minister Sharma said, “Ashoora is not just mourning, but a day of reflection. Imam Hussain’s message cuts across religions and continues to inspire.”
At Zadibal, Dr Farooq Abdullah echoed calls for Muslim unity: “Karbala teaches us to stand against tyranny. Islam means peace, and Imam Hussain showed that faith and truth will survive against all odds.”
Despite the peaceful conduct of processions, unease persisted following reports of Shia mourners being detained in Srinagar after banners with pro-Palestine imagery and portraits of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani were raised during earlier processions.
Police said the actions were aimed at “provoking unrest and disturbing public order”, adding that FIRs had been registered but no details were disclosed about the number of people detained.
Shia cleric Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi, head of the Anjuman-e-Sharie Shiayan, condemned the detentions, warning of mass arrests if the detained youth were not released. “Students’ futures are at stake because they mourned for their Imam. We’ve not broken any law. If they touch our boys after the 14th of Muharram, we won’t stay calm,” he said.
Political leaders, including NC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, said efforts were underway to seek the release of the youth. “Law and order is not in the hands of an elected government, but we are hopeful they will be released in a few days,” Sadiq said.
In Budgam, a major procession began at Bab-ul-Ilem Imambara in Mirgund and culminated late evening at Daar-ul-Mustafa, with DC Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat and SSP Nikhil Borkar personally participating and serving water to mourners. Medical camps, water points, and sanitation facilities were in place across the district.
In Kulgam, DDC Chairperson M Afzal Parrey joined the procession at Shahoo Sachan, praised the communal harmony on display, and visited a blood donation camp, calling it a living tribute to the spirit of Karbala.
Minister Javid Ahmad Dar, in a message, said Ashoora reminds humanity of “truth, justice, and dignity,” and called for rededication to equality, brotherhood, and peace.
Poonch witnessed massive participation in processions, with MLA Aijaz Jan, DC Vikas Kundal, SSP Shafket Hussain Batt, and other senior officers walking alongside mourners from Takya Pehalwan Shah to Imam Bargah Poonch. Anjuman-e-Jaffaria thanked the LG administration for the smooth arrangements.
In Bandipora, DC Manzoor Ahmad Qadri led the procession in Sumbal, distributing water and interacting with residents. The district administration emphasised peace and unity and ensured full logistical support for the mourners.
Reflecting the spirit of interfaith outreach, Islamia College of Science and Commerce’s NSS Unit set up a Sabeel camp at Alamgari Bazar Chowk, offering water, fruit juices, tea, and mobile charging points. Principal Prof. Tehmina Yousuf praised the initiative, which also includes a planned post-procession cleanliness drive.
This year’s Youm-e-Ashura became both a spiritual moment of mourning and a political flashpoint, as public sentiment over detentions fused with the larger commemoration of resistance, sacrifice, and truth that defines Karbala.
As Kashmir’s Shia and Sunni Muslims, political leaders, administrators, and students came together, the events offered a rare portrait of collective remembrance, spiritual resilience, and the challenges of freedom of expression amid tightened security narratives.
The message of Imam Hussain’s (AS) sacrifice, echoed from Karbala to Kashmir, continued to reverberate, a timeless lesson of standing firm against oppression, for justice, and the dignity of the human spirit.
