SRINAGAR, JULY 14 :  For the second consecutive year the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday allowed the traditional 8th day Muharram Procession from Guru Bazar to Dalgate in Srinagar on Monday, officials said.

The District administration of Srinagar on Sunday granted permission for the procession from Guru Bazar to Dalgate via Budshah bridge and M.A Road, Srinagar.

According to an order issued by District Magistrate Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat stated that after considering the Shia leaders’ application about allowing the Muharram processions through traditional routes, the Government has decided to allow the processions.

The order reads that “Whereas, an application was received from Yaadgar-i-Hussaini Committee seeking permission for taking out Muharram procession on 8th Muharram-1446 from Guru Bazar to Dalgate via Budshah Kadal and M.A Road, Srinagar”.

The order added that “Whereas the matter was taken up with the Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar vide this office No. DMS/Jud/Muharram/2024/596-597dated: 05-7-2024 for comments”.

The order further stated “Whereas Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar vide No. CS/45-2024,/48172-74 Dated 14.07.2024 has conveyed “NO OBJECTION” in favour (Yaadgar-i-Hussaini Committee) for taking out Muharram procession on 8th Muharram-1445 from Guru Bazar to Dalgate via Budshah Kadal and M.A Road, Srinagar subject to various conditions like no activity during the procession should be prejudicial to the security and sovereignty of the state and should not disrespect any national symbol/emblem. That they shall not hoist any flag depicting provocative slogans /text and/or photos of terror outfits, or logos of banned organizations at both national and international.

The order reads that the organizers shall abide by all the rules and regulations and shall not indulge in any activity which may lead to law and order problems in the area.

It said the activities of the participants attending the procession should remain strictly confined to the programme only. They shall cooperate with local police and other security agencies as desired by them in the public interest.

The DM order also reads, “Keeping in view the above, the permission is hereby GRANTED in favour of Yaadgar-i-Hussaini Committee, Kaloo Manzil Mohalla Guru Bazar) for taking out the Muharram procession on 8th Muharram-1446 from Guru Bazar to Dalgate. via Budshah Kadal and M.A Road, Srinagar from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM on 15th July, 2024”.

The time window has been finalized in the larger public interest as the procession route encompasses massive business / commercial establishments, movement of ambulances, students, office staff, general passengers, etc”, the order also added.

Various prominent Shia organisations have hailed the decision of the Government to allow the procession. They have said that the Jaloos of Hazrat Imam Hussain A.S holds utmost significance for the Shia community and the Government has respected their sentiments.

Notably the J&K Lieutenant Governor’s administration in July 2023 lifted the ban on the Muharram procession on the Gurubazar-Dalgate route in Srinagar. Last year’s procession was the first one which was allowed in more than three decades.(UNI)