Srinagar, June 26, KNT: Thousands of mourners across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday participated in Youm-e-Ashura processions to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), his family members and companions in the Battle of Karbala, with solemn religious observances passing off peacefully amid elaborate security and civic arrangements.
One of the largest Ashura congregations was witnessed in Srinagar’s Zadibal, where the traditional Zuljinah procession drew thousands of mourners from different parts of the Valley. Clad in black and carrying alams and Zuljinah, mourners recited elegies, performed matam and remembered the supreme sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS), whose stand against tyranny continues to inspire millions across the world.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha joined the Ashura procession at Zadibal, where he paid tributes to Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions. He offered a chadar to the symbolic Zuljinah, interacted with mourners and distributed refreshments among participants. Addressing the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor described the sacrifice of Karbala as a timeless message of truth, justice, compassion and human dignity, urging people to imbibe these universal values in their daily lives.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also joined mourners at Zadibal, accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq. The Chief Minister served water and milk at a sabeel established along the procession route and interacted with volunteers engaged in facilitating the observance. Later, he visited the shrine of Mir Shams-ud-Din Araqi (RA), where he offered prayers for lasting peace, communal harmony and the well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier in the day, both the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister issued separate messages recalling the unparalleled sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS). Manoj Sinha described Karbala as an eternal beacon of truth, justice and human dignity, while Omar Abdullah said the tragedy of Karbala continues to inspire humanity to resist oppression and uphold righteousness under all circumstances.
Across Srinagar, the administration had put in place elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Ashura processions. Multiple departments worked in coordination to ensure uninterrupted drinking water and electricity supply, sanitation, medical aid, traffic regulation and emergency response. Sabeels offering drinking water, milk, refreshments and first-aid facilities were established at several locations, while volunteers rendered assistance to mourners throughout the day.
Senior officers of the civil administration and police remained present along the procession routes to supervise the arrangements. Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg and other senior officials monitored the proceedings and reviewed security and public facilitation measures at various locations.
The principal Ashura procession at Zadibal remained the focal point of observances in Srinagar, while religious congregations and Zuljinah processions were also held in several other Shia-dominated localities of the city. Mourners participated with discipline, and volunteers ensured the smooth movement of the procession by coordinating with the administration.
In Budgam district, thousands participated in Ashura processions held in Budgam town, Mirgund and several adjoining areas. Deputy Commissioner Athar Aamir Khan and Senior Superintendent of Police Hari Prasad K.K. personally visited procession routes, reviewed arrangements and interacted with mourners and volunteers. The district administration had deployed adequate security personnel and ensured the availability of healthcare facilities, ambulances, drinking water, sanitation services, uninterrupted electricity and traffic management throughout the day.
Large Ashura gatherings were also reported from Ganderbal, Baramulla, Bandipora, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian and other districts of the Valley, where district administrations, police and volunteers worked in close coordination to facilitate the religious observances. Medical camps, mobile ambulances and emergency response teams remained stationed at strategic locations to respond to any eventuality.
In north Kashmir, Shia-majority areas witnessed solemn Zuljinah processions, while in south Kashmir, mourners assembled in various towns and villages to commemorate the sacrifices of Karbala through majalis, noha recitations and matam.
The observances extended beyond the Kashmir Valley. In the Chenab region, including parts of Kishtwar and Doda, Ashura processions and religious gatherings were held under adequate security arrangements. Jammu city also witnessed religious congregations and mourning ceremonies at Imambaras and designated routes, with authorities ensuring peaceful conduct of the programmes.
Kargil district, home to one of the country’s largest Shia populations, witnessed massive Ashura processions. Thousands of mourners assembled in different parts of the district, participating in traditional mourning rituals, majalis and Zuljinah processions. Similar religious observances were also reported from Leh, where members of the Shia community marked the occasion with devotion and reverence.
To ensure peaceful observance, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces and other security agencies maintained a multi-layered security grid across major procession routes. CCTV surveillance, drone monitoring, access control, traffic diversions and deployment of Quick Response Teams formed part of the comprehensive security plan prepared well in advance.
Officials said the elaborate arrangements reflected extensive coordination among civil administration, police, health, power, public health engineering, municipal bodies, Fire and Emergency Services and volunteers, enabling the peaceful completion of the Ashura processions across the Union Territory.
The peaceful conduct of Youm-e-Ashura this year once again highlighted the collective efforts of the administration, security agencies, religious organisations and volunteers, who worked together to facilitate one of the most significant religious observances in Jammu and Kashmir without any major disruption.
Ashura, observed on the tenth day of Muharram, commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was martyred along with his family members and companions in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE while standing for truth, justice and righteousness against tyranny. The day continues to hold profound religious and spiritual significance for millions of Muslims across the world. [KNT]
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