Muharram processions taken out peacefully in Srinagar
Authorities did not impose any curbs, except in Abi Guzar in Srinagar and some traffic diversions in Budgam
Large gatherings and processions were taken out by Shia Muslims on Ashura, the tenth day of Islamic month of Muharram, in many parts of Kashmir with massive processions in summer capital Srinagar and central district of Budgam.
Unlike the widespread restrictions on Sunday in major parts of Srinagar to prevent a Muharram procession, the authorities did not impose any curbs on Tuesday, except mildly in Abi Guzar in Srinagar and some traffic diversions in the central district of Budgam.
However, shops and businesses were sporadically and spontaneously closed in many parts of the city while traffic movement was thin.
“We didn’t experience any restriction in the city today like we did in the past. There was free movement of people as the police appeared very disciplined and polite. However, people avoided coming out or opening businesses owing to Muharram and holiday,” said Farhan Kitab, president of Retailers’ Association in the business hub of Lal Chowk.
Strict security arrangements were in place in many parts of the city, particularly in Old City, with a heavy presence of police and CRPF on roads.
Thousands of people gathered and marched in Alamgari Bazar and Zadibal areas of Old City in memory of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), a
grandson of the last Prophet (SAW). The month is remembered for the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in a seventh-century battle in Karbala, the present day Iraq.
A huge procession, with participation of men, women and children, was taken out on Tuesday from Old City’s Bota Kadal which culminated at Imambara Zadibal.
Officials, including divisional commissioner Pandurang K Pole and additional director general of police (ADGP) Vijay Kumar, visited the Old City to ensure proper arrangements including security and proper management.
“We have ensured that appropriate security was in place. A review was also held. Traffic management is also good. More people have participated this year than previous two years,” said Kumar at Alamgari Bazar where he briefly joined his colleagues in providing drinking water to the people as a mark of respect on Muharram.
Srinagar SSP Rakesh Balwal said that everything was peaceful. “There were no restrictions. At Abi Guzar also, we had maintained the route only. Ultimately people from the area took out bikes to reach Old City to join the main procession,” he added.
The police had devised a plan beforehand, diverting traffic at key spots so that the processions in the Old City were not disturbed.
Politicians, including National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah, also visited Alamgari Bazar.
Processions were also taken out in various districts of the Valley with a sizable population of Shia Muslims. In the Shiadominated Budgam, a huge procession was taken out from Jamia Babul Ilm Mirgund to Imam-Bara.
“Everything is peaceful. The biggest procession will culminate by the evening. There were no restrictions in the district, except traffic diversions at a few places,” said Budgam SP Tahir Saleem.
Director, health services, Kashmir, Mushtaq Ahmad Rather said medical teams were also deployed in Srinagar and other districts for the emergency assistance and providing support for the blood donation camps organised by various NGOs. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also remembered the sacrifice of the martyrs of Karbala on the eve of Ashura. “The martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain ( AS) and his companions has guided humanity to strive for justice, values and righteousness,” Sinha said in a message and urged the people to be kind, compassionate and work for the needy and underprivileged.
On Sunday, restrictions were imposed and mobile internet suspended in major parts of Srinagar to stop mourning processions by Shia Muslims on the eighth day of Muharram with authorities saying they feared deterioration of law and order situation. Many youths were also taken into custody briefly.
Traditionally, processions would be taken out from Guru Bazaar to Dalgate area of the city on eight day and from Abi Guzar to Zadibal on tenth day of Muharram before militancy erupted in the Valley in 1989. Since the 90s, the authorities have not allowed any such procession.
The district magistrate had on Saturday issued an order stating that Muharram processions on Guru Bazaar towards Buchwara, Dalgate and Abi Guzar towards Zadibal routes will not be allowed keeping in view public security and law and order.