Examiner News Desk | Srinagar:
Thousands of mourners across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday observed Youm-e-Ashura with solemn religious processions and majlis, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala. The ten-day Muharram mourning period concluded peacefully under elaborate security and civic arrangements across the Union Territory.
The largest Ashura procession in Kashmir was held in Srinagar, where thousands of mourners assembled at Lal Bazar before proceeding along the traditional route to Zadibal. Similar processions and religious gatherings were organised in several parts of the Valley, with devotees participating in matam (chest-beating), reciting elegies and offering prayers in remembrance of the martyrs of Karbala.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha joined the main Zuljinah procession at Zadibal, where he offered a chaddar to Zuljinah, distributed water and refreshments among mourners, and paid homage to Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions. He said the sacrifice of Imam Hussain symbolises the eternal values of truth, justice, compassion and selflessness, and prayed for lasting peace, communal harmony and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also participated in the Ashura observance at Zadibal. He visited a refreshment stall set up by the National Conference, interacted with volunteers and mourners, and later paid obeisance at the shrine of Hazrat Mir Shams-ud-Din Iraqi. Srinagar Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah Mehdi also joined the commemorations.
Authorities made extensive security, traffic and civic arrangements to facilitate the peaceful conduct of the processions. Personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other security agencies were deployed along procession routes, while drone surveillance, CCTV monitoring and special traffic management measures were put in place to regulate movement in the old city. Medical camps, emergency services, drinking water facilities and other public utilities were established at various locations for the convenience of mourners.
Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, V.K. Birdi said comprehensive security and logistical arrangements had been planned well in advance to ensure the smooth conduct of the processions. He appreciated the cooperation of organisers, volunteers and the public, saying their coordination with the police and civil administration played a key role in maintaining discipline and ensuring the peaceful observance of Ashura.
“Our arrangements were slightly different so that people could leave the narrow streets and reach their homes smoothly,” Birdi told reporters, adding that special traffic and crowd-management plans had been implemented for Srinagar’s old city.
Throughout the day, women volunteers, social organisations and charitable groups distributed water, refreshments and other essential items among mourners, continuing the long-standing tradition of service associated with the remembrance of Karbala.
Mourners said the message of Imam Hussain transcends religious and sectarian boundaries. Many described his sacrifice as a timeless symbol of justice, dignity, courage and resistance against oppression, saying the lessons of Karbala continue to inspire humanity across generations.
Religious scholars addressing gatherings across the Valley said Imam Hussain’s supreme sacrifice remains a beacon of courage and righteousness, reaffirming the eternal struggle between truth and falsehood. They emphasised that the annual observance of Ashura renews society’s commitment to justice, compassion, sacrifice and service to humanity.
The observance concluded peacefully across Jammu and Kashmir, bringing to a close the ten-day Muharram mourning period marked by religious congregations, processions and commemorative events across the region.
