Minster for Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali today directed the divisional administration to ensure proper arrangements with regard to essential supplies including drinking water, healthcare facilities, uninterrupted power supply, fire services, street lighting, ration, traffic management and full proof security during Muharram days.The Minister was addressing a review meeting convened to discuss Muharram arrangements in Jammu division.Divisional Commissioner Jammu Dr Pawan Kotwal, IGP Jammu Danish Rana, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Simrandeep Singh, Director FCS&CA Jammu G S Chib, Director Health Services Jammu Dr Baljeet Pathania and Chief Engineer PHE Jammu Susheel Aima, senior officers and representatives of Shia community were present in the meeting.Dr Pawan Kotwal briefed the Minister about the arrangements being put in place by various departments for smooth conduct of Muharram processions throughout Jammu division. IGP Jammu informed the Minister that the adequate security arrangements will be provided during Muharram days especially at the time of processions and Majalis in Shia dominated areas.
Zulfkar asked for timely distribution of ration to Shia community members and instructed Director FCS&CA to distribute sugar before October 5. He also asked to provide additional 1 kg of sugar per family in Shia dominated areas as announced by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.The Minister also directed the JMC authorities to ensure that street lights are fully functional. He also asked for ensuring that the sanitation and cleanliness drives are undertaken on priority especially in the areas where the main processions of Muharram are being taken out.Director Health Services informed the meeting that adequate number of ambulances equipped with healthcare facilities will be stationed at identified places so that necessary medicare facilities will be provided to the participants during processions.PDD and PHE departments were asked to ensure adequate arrangements for drinking water and uninterrupted power supply so that people don’t face any inconvenience.The Minister also asked Divisional Commissioner and IGP Jammu to issue necessary directions to the district administrations to take necessary measures for the smooth conduct of Muharram majalis with special focus on foolproof security arrangements during those days.Responding to the demands of the representatives of Shia community, the Minister assured them of their early redressal and also sought their cooperation for the smooth conduct of Muharram processions and maintaining unity and brotherhood in the region.