Farooq Tantary CNI

Srinagar, July 4:
In a powerful show of faith and remembrance, thousands of Shia Muslims took part in the 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar on Friday. The event passed off peacefully under tight security and careful coordination between the police and civil administration.

The procession started early in the morning from Guru Bazar and followed its traditional route through Jehangir Chowk and Maulana Azad Road, ending at Dalgate. Authorities had allowed the procession to take place for a limited time to avoid disrupting daily life, and mourners gathered at the starting point well before sunrise.

To ensure everything went smoothly, traffic advisories were issued and police along with paramilitary forces were deployed along the route. Top officials including Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Biduri, IGP Kashmir VK Birdi, and SSP Srinagar Dr. GV Sandeep Chakraborthy were present to oversee the arrangements.

In a compassionate gesture, these officials also helped distribute water bottles to mourners dealing with the intense summer heat. Water sprinklers were placed at key points to help keep people cool.

IGP Kashmir VK Birdi told reporters that strong security and civic measures were put in place to make sure the procession was safe and well-organized. “We worked together with the civil administration to avoid any issues. Traffic plans and public announcements were also made to reduce congestion,” he said.

The 8th day of Muharram is very important for Shia Muslims, as it leads up to Ashura—the day Imam Hussain (AS) was martyred in Karbala.

This historic procession had been banned for over 30 years due to security concerns following the outbreak of militancy in Kashmir. However, its peaceful revival over the past three years shows a positive shift toward religious freedom and harmony in the region.