Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 26: The Government today allowed 8th Muharram processions through Srinagar City Centre after a gap of over 3 decades.
Divisional Commi-ssioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri today said that the procession will be allowed from traditional route for two hours from 6 am upto 8 am. “The decision was taken after taking all the aspects of the prevailing situation into consideration”, he said.
The procession will be carried on the traditional route of Shaheed Gunj to Dalgate – a route which was thrown out of bounds for the processions in the backdrop of law and order situation since 1989.
The procession used to start from Guru Bazar in Shaheed Gunj area at 9 am and culminate in Dalgate in the afternoon.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Kashmir, Vijay Kumar, today directed the officers to strictly comply with the orders issued concerning the procession of 8th Muharram while the SSP Srinagar was instructed to use drones to monitor crowd gatherings.
He gave these directions while chairing a high-level meeting at Police Control Room Kashmir, bringing together officers from the Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to discuss Muharram arrangements, challenges, security measures and procession management.
Kumar emphasized the deep religious significance of Muharram for all Muslims, especially the Shia sect, and stressed the importance of ensuring a safe environment for commemoration events and processions, considering all aspects of public order.
The meeting presided over by the ADGP Kashmir, focused on devising comprehensive strategies to tackle potential challenges and maintain order during this sacred period.
Attending the meeting were IG CRPF Ajay Yadav, IG BSF Ashok Yadav, IG CRPF Gyanendra Verma, DIG Police South Kashmir, North Kashmir & Central Kashmir Ranges, DIG CRPF, DIG ITBP, DIG SSB, SSP Srinagar and SSP Security.
An official said that the key points discussed during the meeting included security measures in terms of personnel deployment and technological enhancements to safeguard public gatherings and religious processions, crowd management to prevent untoward incidents and maintain a peaceful environment, and traffic management to ensure smooth traffic flow during Muharram processions, minimizing disruptions based on inputs from intelligence agencies and law-abiding citizens.
The meeting also advised SSP Srinagar to use technology like drones for monitoring crowd gatherings and preventive measures.
“Furthermore, close coordination between the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) was emphasized, leveraging their combined expertise to ensure a well-coordinated security response,” the official added.
The authorities also discussed the need to foster open communication and engagement with the community, seeking their cooperation in maintaining a safe and peaceful atmosphere.
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