Shi'a Mourners Lead Historic Procession in Srinagar After 34 Years

Srinagar: Thousands of Shi’a mourners on Thursday took out processions on the traditional routes in Srinagar after more than three decades of ban on the Muharram rallies in the region.

Amid heavy security, the procession on the 8th day of the Muharram – the first Islamic month – started near Guru Bazar and moved towards Budshah Chowk, then to Moulana Azad Road, and culminated near Dalgate – a historic route on which the procession had been banned by the authorities since 1989 to prevent any law and order situation, especially in the wake of insurgency in Kashmir.

The administration led by Lt Governor termed it a "landmark decision" to allow the mourners to march on the road that he considered a “testimony to change and normalcy” in the region. 

“I bow to the martyrs of Karbala and recall the 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 office of the LG tweeted.

“It is like a moment of catharsis as I was able to participate in the procession for the first time in my life,” said Adil, a 28-year-old resident of Srinagar. 

The Jammu and Kashmir Police, which also termed it a "historic day" for the people in a statement, said that the procession which began at 6 a.m concluded at about 11 a.m.

“The security forces were present on the ground since 4 a.m and checkpoints and cut-off points were placed by 5 a.m. More than 25,000 people had gathered in the form of the procession, fully disciplined and peaceful. It is certainly another historic day for our people,” the police said.

Ahead of the day, prominent Shi’a groups like All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association had urged mourners to remain peaceful during the march. “Let our devotion resonate with love and compassion, as we carry the timeless message of Imam Hussain’s sacrifice,” the group’s head Imran Reza Ansari said.

Shi’as commemorate the death of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Hussain ibn Ali and his followers in the Battle of Karbala. The processions are part of the commemoration which concludes on the 10th of Muharram – known as the day of Ashura.

“We thank everyone for cooperating with the authorities. The decision on the procession on 10th Muharram will be taken after deliberation and keeping the situation in view,” Senior Superintendent of Police (Srinagar) Rakesh Balwal told reporters.

As the people witnessed the breakthrough, many said that the authorities should remove all kinds of curbs on other religious gatherings including permitting Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to hold prayers at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid. 

“It is a welcome step and we hope that the authorities also allow Mirwaiz Umar back on the pulpit of Jamia Masjid,” a resident of Downtown Srinagar said.