Srinagar, July 04(KNB): In a gesture of unity and service, senior officials including Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, IGP Kashmir V K Birdhi, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr. Akshay Labroo, and SSP Srinagar Dr. Sundeep Chakarvourti joined the 8th Muharram procession at Lal Chowk Srinagar. They served water to the mourners under the scorching sun.
Div Com Kashmir urged the mourners to uphold the sanctity of the procession, saying, “We request all mourners to remain focused on the true purpose of the procession and refrain from altering its nature in any way.” He assured that all arrangements, including drinking water, medical aid, security, and traffic regulation, were in place to ensure a smooth and safe procession.
IGP Kashmir V K Birdhi stated that security arrangements were in place to ensure the procession passes off smoothly. He added that the administration is in touch with organizers regarding the 10th Muharram procession to facilitate these religious events.
Thousands participated in the procession, which was facilitated by traffic diversions and volunteer assistance. A mourner, Tahir Ali, appreciated the arrangements, saying, “For the third year now, we are seeing good arrangements on 8th Muharram. It feels like our voices are finally being heard.”
The 8th Muharram procession holds special significance in Kashmir, marking one of the largest and most symbolic mourning processions ahead of Ashura. After being banned for decades due to security concerns, the procession was resumed in 2022 under the administration led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Since then, it has been taken out peacefully with thousands of mourners participating.(KNB)