J&K Shia Association reiterates boycott of Muharram meetings with admin

Srinagar, June 27: Abid Ansari, General Secretary for the All J&K Shia Association, on Thursday reaffirmed the association’s decision to abstain from participating in any Muharram/Safar meetings with the J&K administration.
Addressing a press conference at Darul Jawad (Qamarwari), Ansari said, “This decision comes after repeated requests and submissions to various government departments have been consistently ignored for many decades, with excuses citing lack of funds, staff and resources.”
The association has highlighted several grievances, including inadequate medical support from the health services department, insufficient medicines (especially for children), and a lack of staff for first aid services.
Abid added, “There is an insufficient ration supply from CAPD, particularly rice and sugar, for Nazar O Niyaz during Muharram and Safar. Neglected road maintenance and repair by SMC & R&B have led to injuries and difficulties for mourners. The Police department’s inadequate security and traffic management, along with restrictions on peaceful processions on the 10th of Muharram and the 28th of Safar, have further compounded the issues. Frequent power outages during Majlis’ by PDD and inadequate support from LAWDA, PHE, and Fire Service departments are also significant concerns.”
Despite repeated pleas, our calls for a Nodal Officer in each district to address Muharram and Safar grievances have been ignored, the association added.
Ansari said the community members have suffered for far too long due to the administration’s “negligence”. “Since the LG administration took over, the situation has worsened. We have been met with excuses and inaction for far too long. Our concerns and demands have been consistently ignored, and our community members continue to suffer. We will not participate in meetings that fail to address our needs,” he said.
The association demands improved services and support from the J&K administration, including allocated funds specifically for Muharram and Safar. It urged the administration to address their grievances and ensure the smooth conduct of Muharram and Safar proceedings. (KNS)