J&K: After 34 years, Authorities grant permission for 8th Muharram procession on traditional route with security measures

Authorities have finally given the green light to the 8th Muharram procession to pass through its traditional route after a long hiatus of over three decades. The procession, which holds deep religious significance among Muslims as it marks the first month of the Islamic calendar, will travel from Shaheed Gunj to Dalgate, a route that had been off-limits since 1989 due to prevailing law and order concerns.

IBNS • 29 Jul 2023, 02:31 pm

The administration's decision came with certain restrictions, as the procession has been granted a two-hour window between 6 am and 8 am. This timing was chosen to accommodate the convenience of the public, considering the usual heavy traffic on the route, as it falls on a working day, reports ANI.

Taking no chances with security, the authorities have put all necessary measures in place to prevent any untoward incidents during the religious procession. A high-level meeting chaired by the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Kashmir Zone, Vijay Kumar, discussed various aspects of security arrangements.

These included personnel deployment, technological enhancements like drone monitoring of crowd gatherings, crowd management, and traffic control.

Authorities have urged all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to ensure a safe and secure occasion for everyone during Muharram.

The move to allow the traditional procession is a result of sincere efforts to address the long-standing demand of the Muslim community, and it reflects a balanced approach by considering both religious sentiments and the practicalities of the situation.