LG remembers sacrifices of Hazrat Imam
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 27: After more than three decades since the outbreak of militancy, the Shia community today took out a Muharram procession on a traditional route in Srinagar passing through the city centre Lal Chowk, with thousands of people participating in it amid tight security.
The administration yesterday permitted a two-hour window – from 6 am to 8 am – for the procession. Mourners filled the streets as they peacefully marched on the Guru Bazar to Dalgate route carrying flags and chanting in unison. However, the procession went on beyond the two-hour window period.
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Shia mourners in large numbers assembled at Guru Bazar around 5.30 am for the 8th Day procession. Amid praises for Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), thumping their chests and recitation of praises for Hazrat Imam Hussain(AS), the historic procession started from Guru Bazar area of city that passed through Budshah Chowk to M A Road and then Dalgate peacefully.
Thousands of mourners from different parts of Kashmir while walking peacefully through the streets of Srinagar were seen beating chests, holding tall flags of reading Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and chanting of praises in his favour.
“We are grateful to LG administration for allowing us to take out procession after such a long gap. This is indeed a pleasure and a great moment for us,” said a mourner.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha remembered the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and the martyrs of Karbala.
In a statement, the Lt Governor said: “I bow to the martyrs of Karbala and recall sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his ideals. Today is a historic occasion for Shia brethren in Kashmir valley as after 34 years 8th Muharram procession is taking place on the traditional route, from Guru Bazar to Dalgate”.
The 8th Muharram procession used to come out from Guru Bazar and culminate at Imambargah Dalgate before it was banned in 1989.
“For 34 years, Muharram procession was banned on the traditional route. We respect the sentiments of Shia brethren and I assure the community that the administration will always stand by them. It is also the testimony to change and normalcy in J&K UT,” Sinha said.
“Today the entire world is witnessing commitment and determination of the Government to ensure peaceful environment, freedom, love, compassion and harmony in society, he added.
“It is an occasion to reaffirm our commitment to peace and dedicate ourselves to the progress and prosperity of J&K UT. Several historic decisions have seen the light of the day in a few years and a peaceful J&K has emerged on the horizon. Let’s further strengthen our bonds and unity,” the Lt Governor said.
Meanwhile, senior Hurriyat Conference leader and president of Itihadul Muslimeen, Maulana Masroor Abbas Ansari, today acknowledged that the situation in Kashmir is peaceful.
Speaking to reporters during the 8th Muharram procession that was allowed after 34 years by the Government, the son of a former Hurriyat chairman said that allowing procession by the Government conveys that the situation in Kashmir is peaceful.
“The procession conveys the message that the situation is peaceful here, and the Government should not suspect that any sectarian clashes will take place or that anti-national elements will seek political benefits from it. Neither should any political party use it to its advantage”, he said.
“It is a peaceful mourner’s procession, and it also emphasizes that restrictions should be lifted from the 10th Muharram procession and the restrictions on offering Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid should also be lifted,” he demanded.
Ansari said that the decision of the Government demonstrates that Shia community is peaceful and capable of conducting the procession peacefully, with ease and discipline. “Today, we have shown that we can handle the procession in a better way,” he said.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Vijay Kumar said a security review meeting was held in Srinagar yesterday in which it was decided to allow the 8th Muharram procession through traditional routes. “Officers and men were deployed on roads at 2 am to ensure peaceful conduct of the procession. And so far, the procession is going on peacefully,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Muhammad Aijaz Asad said that holding of the procession was one of the dividends of peace adding that the mourners cooperated.
SMC Mayor Junaid Azim Matoo said that it’s a display of faith after a long time on the streets of Srinagar and he thanked the LG administration for the historic decision. “Mourners are walking peacefully and I hope restrictions will be lifted on Muharram 10th also known as Ashura,” he said.
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