Srinagar: Youm-e-Ashoora, the day when Imam Husain (AS) along with 72 companions were martyred in Karbala, Iraq some 1400 years ago as per Islamic calendar 10th of Muharram, 61 A.H, was observed with religious zeal throughout Jammu and Kashmir while the mourners carried out the processions to pay homage to the martyrs.
According to KNO, the main procession, known as Zuljinah procession, was carried from Srinagar’s Gulshan Bagh area of Bota Kadal here to Zadibal in which thousands of mourners participated.
The mourners attired in black dresses from different parts of the Valley had reached Bota Kadal early today and participated in the main procession today. The Gulshan Bagh to Zadibal locality was jam-packed throughout the day as the mourners as well as the volunteers were seen either participating in the Nouha Khwani or distributing water and other eatables to the people.
Before noon, the Zuljinah procession was carried out, which concluded at Zadibal Imam Bargah where the mourners were recalling the sacrifices of the Karbala martyrs when the last reports came in. The men, women, children and elderly were seen beating their chests while remembering the sacrifices of Karbala martyrs.
Similar processions were also carried in Budgam, Harwan, Bemina, Chattergul, Gazi Manzil to Imambara Yousufabad in Budgam, Magam, Iskinderpora Beerwah and other places.
However, the traditional procession that was being carried out from Abi Guzar to Zadibal was not allowed. The procession continues to remain banned since 1990.
Back at Zadibal, a number of stalls were erected by the administration, civil society members, mainstream political groups, Srinagar Police, NGOs and others where the volunteers were seen distributing water and other facilities to the mourners.
To oversee the arrangements, top police officers including Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Law and Order Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone V K Birdhi and officials from civil administration like Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-din, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner Dr Owais Ahmad Bhat and others visited Zadibal and other adjacent areas.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) law and order paid glowing tributes to the Karbala martyrs and also stated that adequate arrangements have been made for smooth observance of Youm-e-Ashura.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, V K Birdhi also visited Zadibal to oversee the arrangements. He said that adequate security arrangements as well as the traffic and other arrangements have been made for the smooth observance of Youm-e-Ashura.
“We have made adequate arrangements in lanes and bi-lanes to ensure that the mourners will not face any hardships on the occasion,” the IGP said.
Moreover, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir also stated that comprehensive arrangements have been made to ensure a hassle-free experience for mourners during the Youm-e-Ashura.
He highlighted that all necessary facilities, including water and electricity have been ensured to support the mourners. “This year, the procession is proceeding smoothly. We have received positive feedback from the public, and volunteers are playing a crucial role in maintaining order,” he said.
He also conveyed a message to the public, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who sacrifice their lives for noble causes. “If someone sacrifices his or her life for a noble cause, people keep them in memory and honor their contributions,” he added.
Furthermore, Bidhuri appreciated the collaborative efforts of various departments and volunteers in making the arrangements effective and ensuring the sanctity of the event is maintained.
SMC Commissioner about the arrangements stated that SMC had successfully identified the necessary roads and promptly executed macadamization and patch works and also installed street lights to enhance visibility.
“SMC’s dedicated sanitation teams, who typically work tirelessly on the ground, have extended their working hours to ensure that sanitation tasks are completed from early morning until late evening,” he said.
Pertinently, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in an official communiqué recalled the sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) on the eve of Ashoora, the 10th day of Muharram.
In a message, the Lt Governor said, “The occasion reminds humanity of the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his great teachings. It is also a day to rededicate ourselves to the ideals of equality, brotherhood, compassion and justice as epitomised by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS). On this day, let all of us resolve to work together to build a peaceful, just and equitable society”. (KNO)
