Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jul 4: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Friday allowed the 8th Muharram procession on its traditional route from Guru Bazar to Dalgate for the third consecutive year.
The peaceful procession began before dawn, with thousands of Shia mourners participating amid heightened security, logistical arrangements and sweltering summer heat.
The pre-dawn procession, which started at around 5:30 AM from Guru Bazar, passed through Budshah Kadal and Maulana Azad Road, culminating at Dalgate.
It marked the third year since the traditional route, barred for more than three decades, was formally restored in 2023.
Officials said that the permission for this year’s procession was granted by the District Magistrate Srinagar after a request by the Yaadgari-i-Hussaini Committee and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar. They said the order included several conditions to maintain peace and ensure public safety.
According to the official guidelines, the procession was to be conducted strictly on the left side of the road, keeping the right side clear for emergency vehicles, and had to conclude within the prescribed time frame. The administration prohibited any anti-national, communal, or provocative speeches, use of drones, and public address systems. “Any activity disrupting law and order, damaging public property, or hampering emergency services was to be dealt with strictly,” says the guidelines.
On security and logistics, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, and senior police officials had held prior high-level meetings with religious representatives to ensure smooth conduct of the event. A comprehensive security grid, including road barricades, surveillance points, and deployment of personnel along the route, was in place.
Additionally, the traffic police department issued advisories, rerouting traffic via Residency Road, Jehangir Chowk and other alternative roads to avoid congestion. Designated parking spots were also arranged at Gindun Park and SP College. Moreover, to ease the discomfort from high temperatures, water sprinklers were deployed at key locations.
Additionally, hundreds of volunteers from local organisations were present to assist with crowd management, first aid and ensuring orderly movement.
Eyewitnesses from the procession, describing the atmosphere, said that mourners were beating their chests, reciting elegies and walking peacefully in orderly rows in memory of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
“It’s heartening to see the traditional 8th Muharram procession return peacefully for a third straight year. This route was off-limits for decades,” said Syed Murtaza Rizvi, a participant. “This change reflects a hopeful shift in policy and mindset.”
Another mourner, Naqib Abbas Baba, expressed gratitude towards the administration. “We hope this tradition continues. The administration’s cooperation has made it easier for us to observe this solemn day.”
It is worth mentioning, the 8th Muharram procession had remained banned since the late 1980s due to security concerns amid rising insurgency in the Valley. For over 35 years, the main procession was replaced by smaller, localised gatherings under tight restrictions.
Notably, its restoration in 2023, after multiple representations by the Shia community, was hailed as a major step towards religious accommodation and community healing.
Moreover, the 8th Muharram marks one of the most important days of mourning leading up to Ashura (10th Muharram), the day commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala, Iraq.
With a heart-warming gesture, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Inspector General of Police ((IGP) Kashmir, V K Birdhi, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr. Akshay Labroo, and SSP Srinagar Dr Sundeep Chakarvourti on Friday joined the traditional 8th Muharram procession at Lal Chowk Srinagar, where they served water to the mourners under the scorching heat.
They walked with the procession, offering support and interacting with mourners under the intense summer sun, while also distributing refreshments and water bottles to them.
Similarly, the police had also set up a stall of their own with posters reading, ‘Srinagar Police At Your Service.’ In the meanwhile, the presence of top brass walking shoulder to shoulder with the mourners stood out as a message of solidarity and communal harmony.
Irfan, a mourner, said this is the third year they have seen such a sight. It felt respectful and reassuring. “It is not just about security anymore, but it is about being seen and acknowledged,” he said.
Additionally, while officials earlier said arrangements for traffic management, medical care and security were in place well in advance, the actual participation of officers in the procession added a human touch to the administration’s role.
Moreover, social media was also abuzz with videos and images of the moment, with many users praising the gesture as a welcome step toward bridging the gap between the community and the administration. (KNO)
