The government’s decision to allow the Muharram procession on the traditional route after three decades is a welcome step and will go a long way in further ensuring peace and stability in the union territory. The administration should now allow the same on Ashura – the day that holds the most significance for Muslims. The people also must continue to maintain the centuries-old brotherhood and communal harmony. These processions are the revered and most pious religious obligation for the whole Muslim community. The government must take the Shia community and the leaders of other religious bodies and law & order agencies into confidence for allowing the next procession. This will send a goodwill message to the community that had been waiting for thirty-two long years to carry out the religious practice. The procession was not taken out for the last 33 years in the aftermath of violence. So, it is a historic day which is showing a situation at par with the days when normalcy was prevailing here. The shadow of terrorism and petty politics of separatism had made it impossible to hold such events. The Lieutenant Governor-led administration and the law enforcement agencies, especially the J&K Police, deserve all hail and appreciation for such kinds of significant developments.
