Srinagar- Putting all speculations to rest after holding back-to-back meetings with Shia representatives of Kashmir Valley, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Wednesday decided to allow traditional 8th Muharram procession in this capital city, thus lifting the 34 year ban imposed after the outbreak of militancy.
“While taking the religious sentiments of Shia brethren into consideration, the administration decided to allow the procession tomorrow”, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said.
“I congratulate Shia brethren and Kashmiri public who are known for their affection,” Bidhuri said as per an official spokesperson.
“It is due to their contribution to the present peaceful environment which made it convenient for the administration to take this historic decision,” he added.
However, Bidhuri said that the timing for the procession shall be from 6am to 8am in the morning considering the working day tomorrow and to “avoid hardship” to general people.
The Div Com also informed that both LG and Chief Secretary have directed for considering the demand positively and closely monitoring the situation.
“I hope it would be clean and peaceful procession. The success of this decision will be a precursor for more decisions in future, and strict action will be taken against any mischief by anyone,” he added.
According to a government order, “the time window has been finalized in the larger public interest as the procession route encompasses massive business / commercial establishments, movement of ambulances, students, offices.”
The significant development comes two days after Lieutenant Governor; Manoj Sinha chaired a meeting with Shia community representatives to reach a consensus on lifting the over 3 decade ban on Muharram processions.
The 8th Muharram procession used to come out from Guru Bazar quarter of the city and culminate at Imambargah Dalgate in the evening before it was banned in 1989.
Lakhs of people would participate in the procession which would pass through major thoroughfares of the capital including Budshah Bridge and Maulana Azad Road.
Stating that all security arrangements would be put in place, the Div Com said that general public especially members of Shia community have been informed that no one shall be allowed to take out any other procession individually or collectively on the route except the one to be taken out from Gurubazar which has the permission from the administration
“Any one violating the orders shall be very strictly dealt with as per law,” he added.
Regarding civil arrangements for the mourners, Bidhuri said that SMC will conduct a cleanliness drive, drinking water facility and availability of two ambulances will be also ensured besides buses will be made available at Dalgate.
Meanwhile, shortly after administration’s approval, announcements were made from Imam Bargah and mosque loudspeakers in the Shia dominated localities urging the mourners to participate in 8th Muharram procession.
All major Shia parties, including Anjuman-e-Sharie Shiayan, Shia Association and Ittehadul Muslimeen have asked people to join the procession. Maulana Masroor Abbas Ansari, head of Ittehadul Muslimeen issued a video appeal calling upon mourners to reach Gurubazar after morning prayers maintaining discipline and in a peaceful manner. Similar appeals were made by other leaders.
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