Srinagar , July 27:In a historic move, the Srinagar police made a historic decision to permit the conduct of the 8th Muharram procession on its traditional routes in Srinagar, after a gap of 34 years.
The move was met with overwhelming support from the Shia community and was hailed as a significant step towards promoting religious freedom and communal harmony by the city’s mayor, JunaidAzimMattu.
The Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar, informed the media that a meeting of the security forces was convened to ensure a smooth and safe conduct of the Muharram procession. A comprehensive three-tier security plan was meticulously put in place to safeguard the mourners, and the police expressed their gratitude to the public for their cooperation during the event.
The Muharram procession holds deep religious and cultural significance for the Shia community. This year’s decision to allow the procession brought relief and joy to the community members.
Mayor JunaidAzimMattu commended the administration for their decision, expressing regret that such an important religious observance had been denied for over a decade. He emphasized that the current allowance was a positive step and expressed hope that the authorities would continue to permit the procession in the coming years.
SSP Srinagar RakeshBalwal, while addressing reporters, expressed appreciation for the mourners and the community for adhering strictly to the guidelines and regulations issued by the District Magistrate Srinagar on Wednesday. This adherence ensured the peaceful conduct of the procession.
The LG-led administration’s decision to allow the Muharram Procession was seen as a significant stride towards progress and inclusivity. The Shia community, in particular, welcomed the move and expressed their optimism for the future allowance of the 10th Muharram procession.
The streets of Srinagar were adorned with mourners who carried out the procession with solemnity and reverence. The resumption of this age-old tradition marked a noteworthy milestone in fostering communal harmony and religious tolerance in the region.
With the successful conclusion of the Muharram Procession, the Srinagar police have earned accolades for their effective security arrangements and the peaceful environment they facilitated during the event.
Meanwhile, a momentous and joyous occasion unfolded in Srinagar on Thursday as the Shia community observed the long-awaited return of the Muharram procession after a 34-year hiatus. With black outfits, flags, and standards in hand, thousands of participants embarked on a peaceful and solemn journey, commemorating the martyrs of Karbala and paying tribute to Imam Hussain and his companions.
The procession, which covered a distance of 3 kilometers, was a sight to behold as mourners, young and old, walked together in unity and harmony. Despite the authorities initially fixing a restricted time frame from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., the participants’ overwhelming devotion and discipline moved them to allow the procession to continue until 11 a.m.
This historic decision by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration was hailed by the Kashmir Valley’s Shia community. The event marks a turning point, as the procession had been banned in the 1990s due to concerns that it would turn into an anti-India demonstration.
Aga Syed Mujtaba Al Mosvi, Vice President of All J&K Anjuman-e-SharieShian, expressed his appreciation for the landmark decision and expressed hope that the Ashura procession would also be permitted in the future.
The exemplary cooperation of the mourners and the additional security deployments ensured that the event proceeded smoothly and without any untoward incidents. The Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, Muhammad AijazAsad, commended the mourners for their peaceful conduct, highlighting the significance of this occasion in fostering peace and stability in the region.
For Sameer Ahmad, a mourner, it was an emotional and historic moment to bear the flags in honor of Hazrat Imam Hussain.
The sentiment among the Shia community was overwhelming, with participants expressing their yearning to hold this procession for decades.
132BN CRPF facilitates peaceful Muharram procession
In a display of unwavering commitment, the 132nd Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the Muharram procession in Srinagar. The procession, stretching from the historically significant LalChowk to the revered Dal Gate, was successfully conducted under the watchful eyes of dedicated CRPF personnel.
Assistant Commandant Trilochan Prasad, stationed at the CRPF’s Old Court Complex in LalChowk, Srinagar, led the comprehensive review of the security arrangements for the solemn event.
Understanding the sensitivity of the occasion, the CRPF personnel were determined to provide a safe passage for the devotees participating in the peaceful event. The route through the heart of the city witnessed a seamless flow of the procession, as the CRPF, in close coordination with the civil police, had meticulously planned the security arrangements.
The joint efforts of the CRPF and civil police aimed to guarantee a trouble-free and harmonious Moharram event, allowing devotees to observe the religious occasion with peace of mind.
