The Srinagar district administration has authorised the 10th Muharram procession scheduled for Sunday, but only along the traditional route and under a strict security protocol aimed at preventing communal unrest and curbing provocative activity.
The permission, granted to the Shia community, follows the administration’s rejection of a proposal by the J&K Shia Association to reroute the procession through Mill Stop and Firdous Cinema to Zadibal. The request, citing convenience and increased participation, was turned down after police flagged serious security concerns.
“The procession will be allowed from Bota Kadal to Imambara Zadibal via the historic Gasiyar-Zadibal route. No deviation will be permitted,” the district magistrate said, endorsing the assessment of the senior superintendent of police who had earlier rejected the reroute plea.
This year, the administration has imposed stringent restrictions, prohibiting any slogans, speeches, banners or symbols deemed anti-national, anti-administration or sectarian in nature. “Any activity that disturbs communal, religious, or ethnic harmony will not be tolerated,” stated the official order, a copy of which has been shared with local media.
Also read: Thousands join 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar
The decision follows heightened tension in the city earlier this week, when an altercation broke out between police and mourners near Ashai Bagh after officers reportedly removed banners along the procession route. A few mourners were seen carrying Hezbollah flags during the incident, raising concerns over provocative symbolism.
The administration has now issued clear directives: no flags, banners, or images associated with banned or extremist organisations—domestic or international—will be allowed. Damage to public or government property, defacement, or inflammatory behaviour will invite strict legal action.
Organisers have been instructed to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies. The district administration underlined that violations of any kind will be met with prosecution.
Tensions had already escalated after the Srinagar Police filed an FIR on Friday against those accused of violating set conditions during the 8th Muharram procession. Police alleged that the acts were “deliberate, unlawful, and aimed at disturbing public order and communal harmony”.
The 10th day of Muharram, or Ashura, marks the culmination of mourning rituals commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, a highly revered figure in Shia Islam.
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