By Majid Nabi
Srinagar- The Jammu and Kashmir administration is likely to allow the traditional 8th Muharram procession through the city centre, first time since the onset of militancy in early 90’s.
According to sources, the discussion on 8th Muharram procession from Guru Bazar to Dalgate came up in the first round of “productive talks” held between Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri and leaders of the Shia community at the Police Control Room (PCR) here on Friday.
They said thorough deliberations vis-à-vis prevailing situation in the Valley were held during the meeting between the two sides.
“The first round of the meeting was held in a cordial manner and that the Div Com gave patient hearing to the delegation. Since the first round of talks between the two sides remained successful, administration is likely to permit the 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar without imposing restrictions as was done in the past,” sources told Kashmir Observer.
Sources however said the authorities have placed certain conditions for granting the permission and the final decision will be taken during the 2nd round of meeting, scheduled to be held next week.
“Permission might be conditional like no provocative slogans having potential to instigate violence will be allowed during the procession and no flag other than black banners and Alam will be allowed to be carried by the mourners. Besides, the administration may also cap the number of mourners,” they said.
The two major processions of 8th and 10th Muharram were banned in 1989 by the then Governor administration fearing the processions may turn into anti-India demonstrations. Ever since, only small mourning processions are allowed in in Shia dominated areas interiors of Srinagar city.
Ashura that marks the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussain (AS) and his kin and faithful companions in the deserts of Karbala 1400 years ago is commemorated in Kashmir with religious fervour from centuries.
Meanwhile, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri on Friday visited Imambara Zadibal, Imambara Hassanabad and Imambara Magam to take spot appraisal of the facilities made available by the respective administrations for hassle free observation of Muharram congregations and other events.
Bidhuri was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Commissioner SMC during visits to Imambaras of Zadibal and Hassanabad, and Deputy Commissioner Budgam, SSP Budgam during visits to Imambara Magam, Budgam besides other officers and officials from line departments.
During the visit, an official spokesperson said, Bidhuri issued on spot directions to the line Departments for ensuring elaborate arrangements and sustained efforts facilitating the smooth observance of proceedings of Muharram-ul-Haram.
“The Div Com took department wise appraisal of arrangements including electricity, water supply, sanitation, medicare, street lighting, macadamization, repairs of drainage and manholes, besides others at Imam bara Zadibal and Imambara Hassanabad,” he added
He said that the representatives, elders from the Shia community and other public representatives thanked the Div Com for paying a visit to Imambaras and ensuring that all facilities are made available for the holy occasion.
“They however raised a few issues with the chair and sought their immediate redressal which includes lifting of muck from drains, immediate repairing of a few identified street lights and high mast lights around Imambaras, macadamization at certain places, lifting of lowly hanging wires, fumigation, encroachment on roads by shopkeepers, roadside parking etc,” the spokesperson said.
The Div Com, he said, took strong note of the discrepancies and sought immediate redressal of all the issues by the line departments within a couple of days to ensure that mourners may not face any difficulty.
“The Div Com directed SMC for deployment of mobile and sucker jet pumps to drain water at Sheribhat Chowk. He also directed the concerned for removal of encroachment on footpaths by shopkeepers besides roadside parking to ensure smooth passage to religious processions,” he said.
At Magam, the spokesperson said, the Div Com took stock of various arrangements including supply of scheduled electricity and water supplies, installation and restoration of street lights, development of roads and other facilities in the town area.
“The Div Com directed the concerned Officer to ensure hassle-free arrangements for smooth conduct of mourning processions and congregations during the holy month of Muharram ul Haram,” he added.
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