Jammu and Kashmir police on Thursday said that the eighth Muharram procession, held in Srinagar after three decades, is another historic step in the continued march towards peace and stability— a sign that the current situation is at par with the days when normalcy was prevailing.
Before the outbreak of the militancy, the procession was taken out regularly every year as Shia Muslims commemorated the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his companions, in the battle of Karbala in Iraq more than 1,400 years ago.
The procession was allowed after the administration and police held talks with the leaders of the Shia community a few days ago. The procession was allowed for two hours from 6am to 8am along certain pre-approved routes in Srinagar.
Hundreds of Shia muslims, dressed in black, participated in the procession and carried banners with with religious inscriptions and names of Hussain and his companions, and matched through Srinagar from Guru Bazar to Dalgate.
In a statement, the government spokesman said, “In view of the sensitivity of the day, when the shadow of terrorism and petty politics of separatism made it impossible to hold such events, the procession was not taken out for the last 33 years.”
It further stated: “The procession started at 6am and culminated at 11am. Our forces were on ground since 4am, while Naka and cut off points were placed by 5am. Before people started the procession traffic management remained excellent since morning.”
Addressing the National Convention on Sufism in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that for the first time in 30 years, the Muharram procession was taken out in Srinagar peacefully. “Feeling satisfied, mourners are now returning to their homes,” he said.
A layered security cover was arranged for the smooth conduct of the procession. Top police officers and the officials from the administration were present on the occasion. Shia leaders expressed their gratitude to the administration for the historic decision.
