It’s testimony to change, normalcy in J&K: LG Sinha
>Mourners march from Guru Bazar to Dalgate, thank LG administration
> Procession passed off peacefully: ADGP Kashmir
> It’s a peace dividend: DC Sgr;
>SMC Mayor; Div Com Kashmir thank people for maintaining peace
Srinagar, July 27: After three decades, the Shia mourners were on Thursday allowed to carry out a Muharram procession on 8th day of the Islamic month in Srinagar while the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has said that it is the testimony to change and normalcy in J&K.
The Lieutenant Governor remembered the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and the martyrs of Karbala.
He 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 culminated 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,” the Lt Governor 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.
News Agency KNO adds
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.
It was after more than three decades that the LG Manoj Sinha led administration decided to allow the Shia mourners to take out 8th Muharram procession through traditional routes. The administration had fixed 6 am to 8 am timing for the mourners to pass through the traditional routes. Shia leaders and clerics have welcomed the move and hailed the administration for this historic decision.
Thousands of mourners from different parts of Kashmir while walking peacefully through the streets of Srinagar were seen thumping their chests, holding tall flags (Alams) of Hazrat Imam Hussain(AS) and chanting of praises and Nouhas in favour of grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
“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 Altaf Hussain. He said Muharram gives a reminder to every Muslim to follow the footsteps of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and to follow into his footsteps
Itehadul Muslimeen leader Masroor Abbas Ansari said that UT’s decision to allow the 8th Muharram procession is a historic decision. “The mourners followed proper discipline and the procession passed off in a very peaceful manner. Earlier, mourners were cane charged and even put behind the bars as well. Peaceful conduct of today’s procession indicates that disallowing the same procession in the past many years was based on lame excuses,” 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. “We had put three-tier security system in place.”
Present on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Muhammad Aijaz Asad said that it was after over three decades that Muharram procession was allowed. “I would say this is one of the peace dividends,” he said, adding that mourners have cooperated and so has the administration.
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.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bhiduri said that he was happy to see the great enthusiasm among the mourners. “Everything happened peacefully. Mourners cooperated with us on all fronts and reciprocated the same. As far the arrangements, we did whatever was possible within the shortest possible time,” he said.
