With the beginning of the holy month of Muharram, the J&K government should ensure appropriate arrangements by providing the supply of essentials, uninterrupted electricity, transport and medical facilities during the auspicious period. There should be equal facilities in every area and district to ensure that people don’t face any inconvenience and perform their religious duties hassle-free. Besides, sanitation facilities along the procession routes, medical teams and ambulances should be deployed, as well as provision of first aid stations to promptly address any medical emergencies that may arise during the events. For well-lit surroundings, the authorities should repair dysfunctional street lights, including the high mass lights around religious places. The lanes, drains, and compounds inside the imambaras, shrines and procession routes must be kept clean and well-maintained. Enough manpower should be ensured for proper cleanliness throughout the Muharram days, given the importance of a hygienic environment for the attendees and participants. Moreover, as the situation has improved a lot in the union territory, the administration should allow the processions this year as that will be the veneration of religious sentiments and people’s emotions in the true sense.
