In view of the forthcoming observance of Muharram-ul-Harram 2026, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Elections, Javid Ahmad Dar, today chaired separate review meetings in Sumbal Bandipora and Budgam districts to assess the preparedness of various departments and ensure seamless arrangements for the devotees during the holy month.
At Sumbal, the Minister took stock of the arrangements being put in place for the devotees across Sonawari and adjoining areas. The meeting was attended by MLA Sonawari Hilal Akbar Lone, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Indu Kanwal Chib, senior officers of the civil and police administration, heads of various departments, representatives of Shia organisations, civil society members and other stakeholders.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora briefed the Minister regarding the measures being undertaken by the district administration for smooth, peaceful and hassle-free observance of Muharram. She informed the meeting about the arrangements related to power supply, drinking water, sanitation, healthcare, road connectivity, traffic management and public distribution services.
Representatives of various Shia organisations and associations projected several issues and requirements concerning essential services during the holy month. The Minister gave a patient hearing to the concerns raised and directed the concerned departments to take immediate and necessary measures for their timely redressal.
Emphasising the religious significance of Muharram-ul-Harram and the administration's responsibility towards the public, Javid Dar underscored the need for close inter-departmental coordination to ensure that the devotees do not face any inconvenience during the observance.
He instructed the officers to complete all necessary arrangements well in advance and maintain constant monitoring of the facilities being provided. The Minister laid special emphasis on sanitation and cleanliness around Imambaras, religious congregational sites and procession routes.
He directed the Municipal authorities and the Rural Development Department to intensify cleanliness drives, ensure proper waste management and deploy adequate manpower and machinery throughout the Muharram period. He further instructed all the line departments to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services and maintain prompt response mechanisms to address the public grievances.
Reiterating the government's commitment towards facilitating the smooth conduct of religious events, the Minister assured that all genuine demands projected by the representatives would be examined on priority and addressed in a time-bound manner.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Sonawari Hilal Akbar Lone appreciated the efforts of the district administration and stressed the importance of coordinated action among all departments. He also appealed to the public to extend full cooperation in maintaining the sanctity, discipline and peaceful atmosphere associated with the observance of Muharram-ul-Harram.
Later, the Minister chaired a comprehensive review meeting in Budgam to assess the arrangements being put in place for the smooth and peaceful observance of Muharram-ul-Harram across the district. Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, briefed the Minister regarding the preparedness of the district administration.
He informed that all necessary measures are being undertaken to ensure the smooth conduct of Muharram-related events and processions. The Minister directed the concerned officers to ensure that all arrangements are completed well before the commencement of Muharram and that devotees are provided all requisite facilities.
He stressed the importance of effective coordination among departments for efficient management of religious gatherings and processions. Javid Dar emphasised that the government remains fully committed towards facilitating the smooth observance of Muharram while upholding peace, harmony and communal brotherhood.
He instructed the officers to remain vigilant, responsive and accessible to the public so that any issues raised by organisers or local residents are addressed promptly and effectively. The Minister also interacted with the representatives of Muharram committees and local stakeholders, who highlighted various requirements and suggestions regarding the arrangements.
Assuring full cooperation from the government, he stated that all genuine concerns would be examined and addressed on priority to ensure a peaceful, dignified and smooth observance of Muharram-ul-Harram across the districts. MLA, Chadoora, Ali Mohammad Dar, MLA Beerwah, Dr. Shafi Ahmad Wani, MLA Khansahib, Advocate Saif Ud Din Bhat were present during the meeting.