In a departure from decades of restrictions, Srinagar’s main roads witnessed the return of historic Muharram processions for the second year. The administration’s decision symbolizes a renewed commitment to religious customs and communal harmony.
By Ajaz Rashid
For the second consecutive year, historic Muharram processions were permitted to pass along the main roads in the city center of Srinagar. This was a massive departure from earlier years when the processions were restricted even while local elected representatives, including a Chief Minister and several cabinet ministers, some even belonged to the Shia community.
The decision to allow the processions was taken by the present Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha-headed administration, which allowed the events for the first time last year. This move was widely welcomed by the Shia Muslim community here, which has long been demanding restoration of these religious customs.
The procession on the 8th of Muharram started from Guru Bazar to Dalgate via Budshah Kadal, moving along Moulana Azad Road. Men, women and children attired in black carried Alams (banners used in Shia Islamic processions) and Tazias (replicas of Imam Hussain’s A.S tomb, used during Muharram) to the chanting of “Ya Hussain” in memory of the martyrs of Karbala.
The traditional procession, barred for 35 years, was allowed last year. The move was welcomed by all sections, including Shia leaders. This year the permission was granted following a request by the Yadgar-i-Hussain committee and subsequent approval from the SSP Police Srinagar and district administration.
Another big procession was taken out on the 10th of Muharram from Bota Kadal to Zadibal, where mourners marched. This procession was also held amid strict security arrangements to ensure the safety of all participants. The entire route was lined with police personnel and other security measures to have a peaceful observance of the day.
Akhter Abass from Srinagar says, “It’s encouraging to see the mourning of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS). This procession was once banned, but we’ve been allowed to conduct it since last year, which is a welcome change. We appreciate the administration’s decision to permit the 8th Muharram procession.”
Tight security was provided for both processions; the police personnel were deployed along the entire routes of processions to make the events occur safely without any problem. Administration made it clear that the security deployment is to facilitate peaceful and respectful observance of Muharram.
Unity in Diversity
As the procession on the 10th of Muharram was carried out, people from the Sunni community, Sikhs, and Pandits reached the Zadibal area to pay homage to the Karbala martyrs by providing water and other eatables to the mourners. According to a local news agancy, among the mourners, a Sikh man stood out as he tirelessly distributed water to the Shia procession. Handing out bottles to the mourners, he said, “Today, we stand together in our shared humanity. Guru Nanak Dev Ji has taught us that all are the same.”
Similarly, Ashok Raina, a Kashmiri Pandit from Habba Kadal, walked hand in hand with his Sunni friend, Mohammad Yaseen, towards Zadibal. Their journey symbolized the deep-rooted connections and mutual respect that transcend religious divides. Raina stated, “I am a Hussaini Brahman. As Brahmins, we are taught not to take the path of violence, as Imam Hussain teaches us to live with harmony and peace and avoid violence. Take help of the pen, not the gun. Today, we honor his legacy by standing together.”
The streets were alive with the sight of children, their arms adorned with temporary tattoos. “Karbala teaches us to stand up against oppression,” said a young boy, showing off his tattoo, as reported by a local news agency KNO.
SMC Efforts
The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) demonstrated unwavering commitment to facilitating the Youmi-e-Ashura procession in Srinagar’s Old City. From distributing refreshments to deploying mist blowers and water sprinkling machines for comfort, SMC ensured a safe and enhanced experience for mourners.
Prompt road maintenance, street light installations, and extended sanitation services underscored SMC’s dedication to upholding cleanliness and safety standards throughout the event. Dr. Owais Ahmad, Commissioner SMC, commended the efforts of officials, contributing to a successful observance of Muharram-ul-Haram 2024 processions, widely appreciated by the public.
The residents and traders along all routes came in support by offering water and cold beverages to the participants. Many joined the processions, reflecting a strong sense of brotherhood and unity.
For us, it’s more than a religious event; it is about the survival of our heritage and being united,” Sheeraz, one young participant in the procession, said.
The participation of LG Manoj Sinha in the Zuljinah procession on the day of Ashura did a great job in sealing the successful revival of Muharram processions last year. It took a very loud gesture, aiming at extending support and showing solidarity with traditions that the Shia community holds, applauds, and shows the administration to be genuinely concerned about carving out an atmosphere of amity and co-existence.
This time, when the processions ended, the community leaders thanked the administration for facilitating these current events and also strongly demanded their continued support in times to come.
Security Measures
Security measures were heightened in sensitive areas to ensure the peaceful observance of Ashura. ADGP Law and Order Vijay Kumar and IGP Kashmir remained present in the Zadibal area to personally take on the ground information of the arrangements. While hailing meticulous security efforts in place, ADGP Kumar said the great job of the police post deployment ensured that the J&K Police had maintained the great degree of professionalism and the whole process was completed with integrity towards all without any bias towards anyone.
“Three-tier security is in place for 10th Muharram, and I appreciate the meticulous arrangements carried out,” he said. The IGP made it a point to underline that all comprehensive measures had been taken to ensure that there was no inconvenience to the mourners.
Civil authorities played a very vital role throughout the whole process by ensuring the processions were running smoothly. The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, inspected the arrangements of the essential water, power, and medical needs of the procession participants to be provided smoothly.
Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, DC Srinagar, appreciated the administration for successfully and peacefully managing the 8th Muharram procession. He said, “Similarly, the government had devised a route plan for the 10th Muharram procession commencing from Gulshan Bagh to culminate at Zadibal Imambara, and all other arrangements have been in place for a safe and peaceful procession of mourners.”
Facilities like restrooms, latrines, sprinklers, medical camps and blood donation camps, traffic advisories were all mounted in place. “Many community organizers had put up their stalls to help the mourners in the procession by giving them comfort. Apart from the administration, I’m happy the community came forward, and whatever requirement was there, they fulfilled. We were on the same pace, and everybody was doing their best to make the procession safe and comfortable for the mourners,” said Bhat.
He said on the directions of LG Manoj Sinha, the administration followed and managed all guidelines and directives in letter and spirit. “We also try, as all line departments, to engage stakeholders before the start of Muharram so that processions are managed peacefully and properly,” Bhat highlighted.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone V.K. Birdi distributed water among Shia Muslims during the 10th Muharram procession. Rich tribute to the martyrs of Karbala was paid by ADGP L&O Vijay Kumar when he visited Zadibal during Youm-e-Ashoora. The ADGP, along with IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi and other senior officers, distributed soft drinks for the mourners in the Muharram procession at various points of Srinagar. The ADGP paid a visit to Alamgari Bazar to facilitate arrangements for the 10th of Muharram and to take stock of the refreshment points.
Action against anti-peace elements
The Jammu and Kashmir Police apprehended four individuals for displaying flags representing the Shiite organization Hezbollah during a Muharram procession in Srinagar on July 15th. Several others were also held for interrogation. According to police sources, along with flags of Palestine, slogans were voiced during the procession. As the procession, attended by approximately 10,000 to 15,000 people, moved along M.A. Road around 2 pm, Hezbollah flags were seen, resulting in the filing of a First Information Report (FIR).
The FIR was lodged at the Kothibagh Police station in Srinagar under Sections 223 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 152 (acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India) of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Hezbollah, which emerged in response to Israel’s invasion of Lebanon in 1982, has been designated as a terrorist organization by various Western nations, including the US, the UK, Germany, France, and the European Union.
“There were some issues that were not as per the conditions laid out for the 8th Muharram procession. We have taken legal course to those things and we have also told organizers to cooperate and not to do such kinds of things,” Inspector General of Police, Kashmir VK Birdi said.
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