Thousands participate in mourning processions across key dists
Alam & Zuljanah processions mark Ashura observance
Heightened security ensures peaceful processions
J&K Police provide refreshments, support to Ashura mourners
IGP Kashmir, ADGP L&O pay rich tributes to Karbala martyrs
Srinagar, July 17: The 10th of Muharram, observed as Youm e Ashura, was commemorated with deep reverence across the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday. Thousands participated in large mourning processions to honour the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala.
Mourning processions and rallies were held throughout the valley, emphasising the significance of the sacrifices made at Karbala, symbolizing justice, compassion, and brotherhood.
Significant processions took place in Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla, and Anantnag. The largest processions, including the Alam and Zuljanah processions, began from Alipur in the BotaKadal area and culminated at ImambargahZadibal.
The streets were filled with mourners waving Islamic flags, creating a somber yet unified atmosphere.
The Zuljanah procession, which is unique to Ashura, drew hundreds of participants demonstrating their devotion and unity. Throughout the ten days of Muharram, various Alam and Tazia processions are conducted, symbolizing the beginning of the Islamic New Year and remembering the sacrifices made at Karbala.
Meanwhile, security measures were heightened in sensitive areas to ensure the peaceful observance of Ashura. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Law and Order, Vijay Kumar, along with IGP Kashmir, were present in the Zadibal area to oversee the arrangements. ADGP Kumar praised the meticulous security efforts, highlighting the professionalism and impartiality of the J&K police.
“Three-tier security is in place for 10th Muharram, and I appreciate the meticulous arrangements made. The J&K police is a professional, apolitical, and impartial force,” he stated. The IGP also stated that comprehensive measures were taken to prevent any inconvenience to the mourners.
Civil authorities played an important role in supporting the smooth conduct of the processions. Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, reviewed the arrangements, ensuring essential services such as water, electricity, and medical aid were readily available for the participants.
Dr. Bilal MohiuddinBhat, DC Srinagar, stated that the additional measures taken for the 10th Muharram, following the successful procession on the 8th. “After the successful procession on 8th Muharram in Srinagar, the administration made additional arrangements for mourners on 10th Muharram to ensure the smooth conduct of religious processions,” he noted.
Owais Ahmad, SMC Commissioner, discussed the pre-planning efforts, including road macadamization and the installation of street lights to enhance visibility. “Our dedicated sanitation teams have extended their working hours to ensure that tasks are completed from early morning until late evening,” he added, highlighting the community’s dedication to supporting the mourners.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone V.K. Birdi (IPS) distributed water among Shia Muslims during the 10th Muharram Procession. ADGP L&O Vijay Kumar paid tribute to the martyrs of Karbala and visited Zadibal on Youm-e-Ashoora. He, along with IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi and other senior officers distributed soft drinks to mourners during the Muharram procession in Srinagar. ADGP Vijay Kumar also visited Alamgari Bazar to provide refreshments and take stock of the arrangements for the 10th of Muharram.
Ashura processions were also held in districts of Baramulla, Bandipora, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam, and Anantnag.
Meanwhile, thousands of mourners took out Ashura procession in the Ahmadpora area of the Pattan tehsil to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Imam Hussain on Muharram
In the Magam main town, the procession started from Magam area and culminated at AhmadporaImambara.
In the Budgam district, the procession was carried out at Budgam town, Hayatpora village, Wanihuma and different areas of Budgam district, where thousands of Azadars participated into the Ashura procession.
The Volunteers have established Sabeels at different spots, where they distributed the water and Juice to the Azadars
The district administration of Budgam and Baramulla had made adequate arrangements for ensuring incident-free observance of Muharram processions
Meanwhile, on the sacred day of Ashura, the J&K Police earned widespread appreciation by providing refreshments during the Zuljanah Procession held at various locations across the Kashmir Valley. This initiative was warmly received by Shia mourners.
Under the direction of SSP GanderbalSandeep Gupta, Gund Police, along with SDPO KanganMuzaffar Jan-JKPS, SHO GundLateef Ali, and the 34 Assam Rifles Gund Company, distributed water, juice, and made available other facilities to Shia mourners at BaltiKullan area of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. This thoughtful gesture was part of their efforts to support the community during their religious observances.
In Pulwama, the District Police undertook a similar initiative, distributing water and refreshments to the Shia community. This act of kindness was aimed at providing relief and support to those participating in the religious processions. The community praised the Police Department’s dedication to engaging with and supporting the diverse cultural and religious practices within Pulwama.
In Anantnag, police personnel set up various stalls at different locations to provide refreshments, particularly sharbat and drinking water, to mourners on the eve of YoumiAshoora. SSP Anantnag, Dr. GV SandeepChakravarthy, visited these stalls to oversee the arrangements and ensure that mourners in SofiporaWallerhama and Pahalgam were well taken care of. He noted that over 250 police personnel were deployed in different areas of Anantnag to provide refreshing drinks to the mourners, emphasizing Kashmir’s tradition of communal harmony.
These efforts by the J&K Police reflect their commitment to fostering communal harmony and providing support to the community during significant religious observances.
