The District Administration of Srinagar permitted the 8th Muharram procession to follow its traditional route from Guru Bazar to Dalgate via Budshah Kadal and MA Road, and a massive gathering was seen in the city on Monday morning.
A procession was taken out in the old city of Srinagar on Sunday also with hundreds of mourners participating, marking the sacred month of Muharram observed by the Shia community.
According to an order issued by District Magistrate Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat (Order No. DMS/JUD/Muharram/2024/786-793, dated 14.07.2024), the government decided to allow the procession after considering an application from Shia leaders.
The order states, “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 matter was discussed with the Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar (Office No. DMS/Jud/Muharram/2024/596-597 dated 05-7-2024), and no objections were raised by the police to the procession.
However, several conditions were imposed, with no activity allowed during the procession that should harm the security and sovereignty of the state. No disrespect should be shown to any national symbols or emblems. No flags with provocative slogans or images of banned organisations should be hoisted, the administration stated.
The organisers were asked to follow all rules and regulations and not engage in activities that could cause law and order problems. Cooperation of participants with local police and other security agencies as needed was also sought.
The order further 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 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 timing was chosen to minimise disruption, as the procession route includes many businesses and places where ambulances, students, office staff, and other passengers travel.
Prominent Shia organisations have praised the government's decision, saying the Hazrat Imam Hussain A.S procession is very important to the Shia community and that the government has respected their sentiments.
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