Amid curfew and curbs in different parts of Valley, Youm-e-Ashura was observed on Wednesday with reverence and religious fervor throughout Jammu & Kashmir to pay tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and His companions for their supreme sacrifice in Karbala.Police detained scores of mourners from different parts of Srinagar city when they tried to take out Ashura procession while restrictions and curfew were imposed on the movement of people in most areas of old Srinagar city. “Restrictions had been imposed in seven police station areas of Khanyar, Rainawari, Nowhatta, M.R. Gunj, Safakadal, Lal Bazaar and Maisuma,” a senior police officer said here.The 10th of Muharram is observed across the globe as the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).Rolls of razor-fitted concertina wire were placed on street crossings to block passage of traffic and pedestrian movement. Ashura processions are banned in Lal Chowk area of Srinagar since 1989.Eyewitnesses told news agency CNS that Alam and Zuljanah processions were taken out in all districts across Kashmir. Thousands of Azadars participated in a procession in downtown Srinagar which passed through Mohalla Syed Afzal, Alamgari Bazar and culminated at Zadibal Imambargah.
Ashura processions were also taken out in Baarji Harwan, Bemina, Gund Khwaja Qasim, Mirgund, Hanjiveera, Balhama, Panear, Tral, Divsar Kulgam, Sofipora Pahalgam, Chattergul, Achabal, Dangerpora, Sonawari and scores of other places.
In central Kashmir’s Budgam district Ashura processions was taken out from Jamia Babul Alim to Imambara Yousufabad, Magam, Iskinderpora Beerwah and Sonpah. The biggest procession was taken out from Mirgund to Imambargah Budgam. The procession was led by senior separatist leader and president Anjuman Shari Shain Aga Syed Hasan Almosvi Alsafvi. Witnesses added that mourners forcibly entered into the house of Aga Syed Hasan and forced police to retreat from the spot. Pertinently, Aga Syed Hasan has been under house arrest from past three months. Aga Syed Hasan said that Imam Hussain (AS) symbolizes firm faith in Almighty, high principals of righteousness, purity of thought and highest degree of sacrifice to uphold truth and human dignity. He said that Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions exhibited unparalleled courage and patience, and made historic sacrifices at Karbala which would enlighten and guide the mankind forever. Taking a dig at the government for not allowing the Ashura procession from Abi Guzar, he said that he wonders why government cites the reason of security for not allowing the Ashura procession.
Ashura processions were also taken out in Ladakh’s remote Turtuk, Partappora and Chushut. In Kargil, Ashura was observed under the banner of Anjuman-e-Jamiyat Ullama (Islamia School Kargil). The mourning processions were taken out from different villages of Kargil. The processions passed through Main Bazar, Lal Chowk, Khomeni Chowk, Islamia School Chowk and concluded at Qatilgaha-e-Hussaini (Inqillab Manzil). Thousands of mourners participated in these processions. In Ganderbal district, Ashura processions were taken out at Bot Kullan and Dub.Thousands of mourners were part of an Ashura procession taken out from Peer Mitha Jammu amid tight security arrangements. The procession commenced from Imam Bargah Peermitha under the banner of Anjuman-e-lmamia, Jammu. Thousands of mourners from across the region mourned the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS). A brief Majlis (congregation) was also held before the start of the procession where scholars delivered lectures narrating the tragedy of Karbala.After passing through the traditional route, the procession culminated at Karbala complex Wazarat road.Similar procession was also taken out from New Plots Jammu by Anjuman-e-Haidery that culminated and merged with the main procession at Imam Bargah Sofi Shah Peermitha. (CNS)