Srinagar, June 18: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo alongwith Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Information Technology and Transport, Satish Sharma Wednesday visited Imam Bara Zadibal and Imam Bara Hassanabad here to review the preparedness and arrangements being made for the observance of forthcoming Holy Month of Muharram-ul-Haram.
During the visit to Imam Bara at Zadibal, the Ministers interacted with local representatives, community leaders and members of the Shia community. MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Ali Sadiq; MLA Hazratbal, Salman Ali Sagar; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Commissioner SMC, Director Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Kashmir, Director Health Services Kashmir, Chief Engineer KPDCL, senior officers of other allied departments like PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, PWD and other departments were present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Sakeena said that Muharram holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for the Muslim community and it is our collective responsibility to provide an environment of dignity, safety and comfort to the mourners.
She directed the officers to deploy adequate manpower of health department along the routes of Muharram processions for the facilitation of mourners. She asked the Director Health to deploy sufficient number of Ambulances as well as blood storage units during the days of procession.
The Minister also directed the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar to establish Control Room at district level for better coordination of allied departments. Minister Sakeena also stressed on the importance of uninterrupted power and water supply, sanitation measures and proper traffic regulation during the mourning period. She emphasized on the need for seamless coordination between various departments to ensure peaceful and respectful conduct of all Muharram processions and gatherings.
The Minister also directed the SMC Commissioner to take immediate measures for cleanliness and desilting of drains in Zadibal, Alamgari Bazar, Madain Sahib Hawal and other routes leading to Imambaras and through which Muharram processions will pass so that people do not face any difficulty. During the visit, Minister Satish Sharma also interacted with local representatives. He assured them that sufficient stock of essential supplies will be kept available during this holy month. Minister Sakeena Itoo on the occasion also paid obeisance at the shrine of Mir Shams-ud-din Muhammad Araqi (RA). Later, the Ministers also visited Imam Bara Hassanabad and took stock of Muharram arrangements. During the visit, the Ministers held detailed interaction with the local Shia leaders and public representatives to have first-hand feedback of the arrangements to be put in place during the Holy Month of Muharram-ul-Haram. On the occasion minister Sakeena passed on several onspot directions to the line Departments and stressed on elaborate arrangements and sustained efforts facilitating the observance of important proceedings especially on 9th and 10th of Muharram. She assured the public that all genuine issues will be redressed promptly for smooth observance of holy month. Later, the Ministers undertook a comprehensive tour of Mir Behri Dal, the interiors of densely populated Shia areas. On the occasion, the Ministers held a public interaction and met scores of people of the Shia community and assured them that adequate arrangements shall be made available on the eve of the month of Muharram ul Haram. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Sakeena said that this Government is chosen by the public and is for the public, adding that all genuine issues will be redressed in consultation with respective departments. She further said that sufficient staff will be posted in schools in this area within days. Addressing the gathering, Minister Satish Sharma said that adequate ration supplies will be maintained during the holy month in this area. He also said that sufficient solar lights will also be set up across several areas of Mir Behri Dal.
