SRINAGAR, June 26: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed peaceful and solemn observance of Ashura on Friday as thousands of Shia mourners participated in processions and religious gatherings across the Valley to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions in the battle of Karbala. The occasion saw the participation of both Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who joined mourners in Srinagar and paid tributes to the sacrifices made at Karbala.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha joined the Ashura procession in the Zadibal area of Srinagar, where he interacted with mourners and reviewed the arrangements made for the smooth conduct of the religious event. The Lieutenant Governor distributed refreshments among the participants and paid his respects by offering a chadar to the symbolic Zuljanah.
Senior officials, including Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg and other officers of the civil and police administration, accompanied the Lieutenant Governor during the visit. J&K Tourism.
Paying rich tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions, Sinha said their supreme sacrifice for peace, justice, compassion and human dignity continues to inspire generations across the world.
“The sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain remains an eternal guide for humanity. His message of truth, justice, selfless service and compassion for the underprivileged is as relevant today as it was centuries ago. Society must draw inspiration from his noble life and virtues and walk the path of righteousness and humanity,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also joined the Ashura gathering at Zadibal, where hundreds of mourners participated in the traditional procession on the tenth day of Muharram. Accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq, the Chief Minister distributed refreshments at a stall established by the National Conference and interacted with mourners and volunteers.
Dressed in a black kurta-shalwar and wearing a traditional scarf, Abdullah spent time with participants and underscored the enduring significance of Imam Hussain’s sacrifice.
“We all know the importance of Ashura. We remember the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain and the lessons it teaches us. Whenever societies forget those lessons, they face destruction and decline,” the Chief Minister said.
Abdullah also expressed hope that the day was not far when the historic Ashura procession would be allowed to return fully to its original route through Srinagar city. He said efforts had been made in the past to facilitate the restoration of the traditional route and assured that those efforts would continue in the future.
The Ashura processions were conducted amid elaborate security and administrative arrangements across Kashmir. Inspector General of Police Kashmir V K Birdi said comprehensive security, traffic and logistical measures had been put in place well in advance to ensure the peaceful conduct of the religious event.
He appreciated the cooperation extended by organisers, volunteers and the general public, saying their active participation and adherence to guidelines played a crucial role in maintaining order and ensuring the smooth movement of mourners.
Authorities had deployed security personnel at key locations, regulated traffic and established medical and emergency response facilities to facilitate the observance. Volunteers and local organisations also played an active role by setting up refreshment stalls and assisting mourners along the procession routes.
Thousands of devotees participated in the religious gatherings and processions across Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir, reciting elegies and paying homage to Imam Hussain and the martyrs of Karbala, whose sacrifice continues to symbolise resistance against injustice, oppression and tyranny.
The peaceful conduct of the Ashura processions was widely seen as a reflection of the close coordination between the administration, security agencies, religious organisations and the public, ensuring that one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar was observed with devotion, dignity and harmony.
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