Srinagar: After 34 years, Shia mourners took out the eighth day Muharram procession from the traditional Guru Bazar to Dalgate route in Srinagar and it passed peacefully on Thursday.
Hundreds of Shia community members joined the procession from Guru Bazar that passed through Karan Nagar, Budshah Chowk, Moulana Azad Road and reached Dalgate where it culminated peacefully.
After long deliberations, the administration on Wednesday allowed the procession on Guru Bazar to Dalgate via Moulana Azad Road for two hours from 6 am to 8 am.
Three-tier security was provided by the authorities for the conduct of the peaceful Muharram procession.
Top security and officials from the civil administration were also with the procession.
Police in a statement said the eighth Muharram procession during the day has been another historic landmark in the continued march towards peace and stability.
“Shia brethren here are quoting it as a historic day in J&K History which is showing a situation at par with the days when normalcy was prevailing in the state”, police said.
"Keeping in view the sensitivity of the day, when the shadow of terrorism and petty politics of separatism made it impossible to hold such events, the procession was not taken out for the last over three decades in the aftermath of violence and arson during the event", police added.
But when it was restarted on Thursday, it simply showed "our resolve and commitment to a peaceful and prosperous future", the statement said.
"Kudos to the people and participants", the police statement reads. The procession started at 6 am and culminated at 11 am.
The forces were on the ground from 4 am. Naka and cut-off points were placed by 5 am before people started the procession, and traffic management was excellent since the morning.
The gathering of more than 25000 people in the form of a procession, was fully disciplined and peaceful and well-coordinated. "It is certainly another historic day for our people," police added.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar Rakesh Balwal thanked people for their cooperation and peaceful conduct of the Muharram procession.
“We were ready for the peaceful conduct of the Muharram procession and we got full cooperation from people”, he told media persons.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri had said on Wednesday that it was a long pending demand of the Shia community for the past 33 years to allow the 8th day Muharram procession to proceed from Guru Bazar to Dalgate via Moulana Azad road in Srinagar.
The administration took it very seriously as it was a sentimental issue for the Shia community and gave the go-ahead. (UNI)
