Srinagar: Muslims across Jammu and Kashmir observed, Ashoora, the 10th day of holy month Muharram that marks the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), with religious zeal on Thursday while Shia mourners carried out processions in Srinagar, Budgam and other districts that culminated peacefully.
However, authorities disallowed major 10th Muharram procession that was supposed to pass through city centre Lal Chowk and instead mourners were allowed to carry out processions in interior parts of Srinagar districts. Members from the Suni community were seen offering refreshments to Shia mourners at different places reviving the age-old bond between the two communities. On 10th of Muharram, Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) along with 70 other family members and companions were martyred in the battle of Karbala in Iraq. Their martyrdom is observed across the globe with Shia mourners carrying out huge processions amid thumping of chests and recitation of praises for Imam Hussain (AS).
Witnesses said that restrictions were imposed in Abi Guzar area of Srinagar Thursday where police and paramilitary troopers had erected concertina wire on the road to thwart pedestrians as well as vehicular movement.
The deployment of police and CRPF men was also made at procession bound areas in Srinagar and elsewhere where vehicular movement was not allowed in wake of the procession by Shia Muslims.
A huge Muharram procession was carried out in Bota Kadal to Zadibal area Thursday in which thousands of mourners participated and remembered sacrifices of Karbala martyrs. A huge Muharram procession was also taken out at Bemina.
Similarly, Muharram processions were also carried out in Budgam district, in Pattan and Delina areas of Baramulla district, Wularhama Pahalgam, Sofi Pora, Halkha, Chaturgund in South Kashmir Thursday in which thousands of mourners took part and paid tributes to Karbala martyrs.
Moreover, the Sunni Muslims also organized Ijtimas on the occasion in local Masjids here, during which the religious clerics delivered speeches and threw light on the events that happened in Karbala.
Meanwhile the J&K Apni Party President Syed Mohammed Altaf Bukhari and Chairman J&K Peoples Democratic Front (J&K PDF) have in their separate statements issued on Thursday paid rich tributes to the martyrs of Karbala who laid down their lives for the sake of truth and justice.
In his statement of tributes Bukhari said that the supreme sacrifices committed by Imam Hussain (a.s) and his noble family remains as a great example for the world that impresses upon us to care for others and adopt a selfless lifestyle.“The incident of Karbala has a wide appeal which is not confined to a particular religion or sect. This shows how a noble person stood up for what is right against all the odds and even he didn’t care for the martyrdom as he valued the noble principles of justice and truth more than life,” he said. Bukhari said the incident of Karbala is a beacon of light and also of hope which shows how tyranny has to end one day and brotherhood, peace and equality must prevail at the end. “Those tyrants have no legacy of their own right now but the legacy of Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s) lives on and shall be remembered until the last days,” he added. Bukhari also appealed to the divisional administrations of J&K to ensure that all facilities are provided to the mourners without any fail so that they face no inconvenience.
Paying tributes to martyrs of Karbal the President J&K Peoples Democratic Front (J&K PDF) Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen while recalling the exemplary sacrifices rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS ) and his companions in Karbala , said they offered sacrifice of their dear lives for upholding the values of truth, justice and righteousness. He said martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain ( AS) and his companions has taught the world about high values of human dignity and morality. PDF , Chairman reiterated that the path shown by martyr’s of Karbala would continue to be the torch bearer for future generations till the day of judgement.Hakeem prayed that the day of Ashura may prove harbinger of peace, prosperity, development, brotherhood and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir.