Govt grants permission for 8th Muharram procession

Srinagar, July 14: For the second time, the government has granted permission for the 8th Muharram procession to proceed from Gurubazar to Dalgate and the decision marks a significant moment for the Shia community.

The permission was granted following an application from the Yaadgar-i-Hussaini Committee, seeking approval for the procession on 8th Muharram 1446 AH.

The request was forwarded to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Srinagar, who conveyed “no objection” to the procession.

The official communication, issued by the District Magistrate Srinagar, Bilal Mohiuddin outlines specific conditions to be followed during the event.

The order specifies that the procession will use only one lane of the road, leaving the other lane open for emergency service vehicles.

The organisers must ensure that the procession concludes within the prescribed timeframe set by the administration.

Additionally, participants are prohibited from making any anti-national or anti-administration speeches or slogans and must avoid any activities that could harm communal harmony or religious, ethnic, cultural, and regional sentiments.

“No activity during the procession should be prejudicial to the security and sovereignty of the state and should not disrespect any national symbol or emblem. They should not hoist any flag depicting provocative slogans, text, or photos of terrorists, or logos of banned organisations, both international and national,” the order reads.

Furthermore, the organisers are required to cooperate with local Police and other security agencies to ensure a peaceful procession.

They have been directed not to obstruct the smooth flow of traffic or medical emergencies, and the use of drones, public address systems, stages, or loudspeakers that might cause inconvenience to others is strictly prohibited.

The order stipulates that the procession will start from Gurubazar at 6 am, with the tail of the procession crossing Jehangir Chowk at 6:30 am and J&K Bank Headquarters on M A Road at 8 am.

This timeframe is designed to minimise disruption to the business and commercial establishments along the route, as well as the movement of ambulances, students, office staff, and people.

Last year, the Muharram procession was held for the first time in 34 years after being banned in 1989 due to the insurgency in Kashmir.

Muharram is one of Islam’s holiest months, during which Muslims worldwide mourn the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who was martyred in 680 CE at the Battle of Karbala in present-day Iraq.