Kashmir Honors Karbala Martyrs

8th Muharram Procession Marks 2nd Year of Revival

Srinagar, July 15: A day after the government granted permission to Yadgar-i-Hussaini committee, hundreds of mourners participated in the procession on 8th Muharram here, which was allowed for the second straight year on Monday following over three-decade-long ban in 2023.

The mourners from different parts of Srinagar and other districts reached Guru Bazar Imam Bargah early this morning and carried out the procession towards Dalgate.
The government had granted permission for the procession yesterday in which it had mentioned that the participants are required to use only the left side of the road, keeping the right side open for emergency services and that the organizers must ensure that the procession concludes within the timeframe set by the administration, starting at 6 am hours from Guru Bazar, crossing Jehangir Chowk by 6:30 am and &K Bank Headquarters M.A. Road by 8 am.
It further reads, “Key conditions for the procession include, no anti-national or anti-administration speeches or activities. Preservation of communal and sectarian harmony. Respect for state security and national symbols. No flags with provocative slogans or images related to banned organizations. Adherence to rules and avoidance of actions that could lead to law and order Issues. Protection of government and public property. Cooperation with local police and security agencies. Uninterrupted traffic flow and accommodation for medical emergencies. Prohibition of drones and public address systems or loudspeakers.”
However, the traditional Muharram procession that was allowed for the second year today commenced at 05:30 AM and culminated at Imam Bargah Dalgate at around 05:00 PM.
All through the route, the mourners paid homage to the Karbala martyrs and remembered the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), who along with 72 companions were martyred in the battle of Karbala, Iraq some 1400 years ago as per Islamic calendar 10th of Muharram, 61 A.H.
The mourners thanked the administration for allowing the procession on the 8th Muharram, which was banned for 35 years and was allowed last year.
Besides, the volunteers from NGOs and other organizations, the administration and Police had also come up with the stalls to provide water and eatables to the mourners.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, V K Birdhi was among the officers who were seen distributing water to the mourners.
While speaking to media persons, the IGP has said that “the message of police is that police is always ready to protect the people of Kashmir and ready to serve people anytime.”
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar dr Bilal Mohi-ud-din also spoke on the occasion and said that better arrangements have been put in place for the mourners this year, adding that the peaceful procession is the dividend of the peace process.