STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: The J&K Administration on Wednesday addressed the long pending demand of Shia brethren by allowing the 8th Muharram procession on traditional route from Guru Bazar to Dalgate after three decades.
“While taking the religious sentiments of Shia brethren into the consideration, the administration decided to allow the procession tomorrow”, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said on Wednesday. “I congratulate Shia brethren and Kashmiri public, who are known for their affection”, he said and added that it is due to their contribution to the present peaceful environment, which made it convenient for administration to take this historic decision.
The administration, after several round of talks with Shia Muslim community representatives of all groups and local committee of Guru Bazar, has got assurances from all stake holders that the sacred religious event would be conducted and culminated peacefully. Accordingly, all security arrangements would be put in place and general public especially members of Shia community are informed that no one shall be allowed to take out any other procession individually or collectively on the route except the one to be taken out from Guru Bazar which has the permission from the Administration
Any one violating the orders shall be very strictly dealt with as per law.
However, he said that the timing for the procession shall be from 6Am to 8Am in the morning considering the working day on tomorrow and to avoid hardship to general people.
He informed that both Lt. Governor and Chief Secretary have directed for considering the demand positively and closely monitoring the situation. Regarding civil arrangements for the mourners he said that SMC will conduct cleanliness drive, drinking water facility and availability of two ambulances will be also ensured besides buses will be made available at Dalgate.
Div Com said, “I hope it would be clean and peaceful procession. The success of this decision will be precursor for more decisions in future, and strict action will be taken against any mischief by anyone.”