J&Okay: Palestinian Flag Waved, Anti-US Slogans Chanted Throughout Muharram Procession

J&Okay: Palestinian Flag Waved, Anti-US Slogans Chanted Throughout Muharram Procession

Srinagar: In a major improvement, hundreds from the Shia neighborhood gathered right now at Lal Chowk to hitch the mourning procession of eighth Muharram, an occasion that had not been allowed for over three many years because of safety issues. The procession marked a stark distinction to earlier restrictions, underneath which even small gatherings have been prohibited. 

The members of the procession carried Palestine flags, and slogans towards Israel and the USA have been heard. This 12 months’s occasion adopted the lifting of a 34-year ban by the Jammu and Kashmir authorities, which had initially imposed the restriction in 1989 amid rising terrorism threats. 

The ban was lifted final 12 months when the federal government permitted the eighth Muharram procession to comply with its conventional route from Gurubazar to Dalgate in Srinagar. This choice got here after assessments indicated improved safety situations within the area. 

Shia neighborhood members expressed their gratitude to the federal government for permitting the procession. “We’re very pleased with the choice of the federal government. Right this moment, our sentiments have been revered, and the preparations have been commendable,” mentioned one participant. 

Intensive safety measures have been carried out to make sure the security of the procession. Inspector Normal of Police (IGP) Kashmir, VK Bhri, chaired a joint assembly with police and different safety companies to debate the preparations and challenges. The IGP, together with the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and different officers, personally oversaw the procession to make sure all the pieces was in place. 

“Full safety preparations have been made. A 3-tier safety system is in place, and all essential provisions have been made. Peace has returned to the valley,” mentioned IGP Kashmir VK Bhri. 

The procession, which began at 5 am from Gurubazar following Fajr prayers, was scheduled to conclude by eight am however was prolonged until midday as a result of peaceable nature and enormous turnout of members. 

Divisional Commissioner Vijay Bhidhuri commented on the great preparations: “All wanted preparations are in place, be it water, bathrooms, or well being amenities. Individuals have been very cooperative, and it is a massive change we’re seeing in Kashmir.” 

The eighth of Muharram commemorates the day of Karbala when Imam Hussain and his followers have been martyred. Muharram, the primary month of the Islamic calendar, holds profound significance for Muslims, significantly the Shia neighborhood. Guaranteeing a protected atmosphere for the mourning packages and processions was a high precedence for the authorities. 

Regardless of the peaceable ambiance, a gaggle of youths carrying Palestinian flags and elevating anti-Israel and anti-US slogans was briefly noticed earlier than dispersing from the procession. 

This historic occasion highlighted the Shia neighborhood’s deep-rooted traditions and the improved safety state of affairs in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a brand new chapter within the area’s non secular and social panorama. 



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