Ashura observed in Kashmir

Srinagar: Ashura, which commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), was observed across Kashmir valley on Sunday.
Though police didn’t interfere and mourners carried out processions peacefully in Budgam, in Srinagar’s Zadibal area police used tear-smoke shells when the mourners tried to take out a procession. Due to Covid-19 pandemic, authorities had already imposed ban on Muharram processions.
Remembering the supreme sacrifice of grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), mourning processions were taken out mostly interiors across Kashmir valley throughout the day wherein glowing tributes were paid to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions who laid down their lives during the bottle of Karbala against evil, falsehood and oppression.
Probably for the first time in the history of Budgam, no Alam processions were taken out. Eyewitnesses told KNt that simple processions were allowed that were taken out in different parts of Budgam including Wanihama, Hayatpora, Khanpora, Ichgam etc.
Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman Sharie Shian organized mourning ceremonies on the occasion of Ashura across the valley.
Scholars on the occasion explained the philosophy of martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the different aspects of the battle of Karbala.
President of Anjuman Sharie Shian, Agha Syed Hassan Al Moosvi Al Safvi, who has been under house arrest was not allowed to venture out from his house.
In his message on the occasion of Aashoora day, Syed Hassan Al Moosvi Al Safvi said that the unparalleled battle of truth and falsehood, that took place on the land of Karbala, would live on forever and the humanity would have a spirit of resistance and perseverance against oppression and tyranny.
He said that Aashoora Hussaini is a school of protection and survival of Islam and humanity. He said Islam is the religion of security where human health and safety is the first priority. In the current epidemic situation, the requirements of human health and safety during mourning ceremonies are strictly in accordance with Sharia, he added.
Strongly condemning the police violence on mourning processions at various places during Muharram days, Agha Hassan said these tragic incidents took place due to contradictions in the authorities’ Muharram policy in the epidemic situation.
Expressing heartfelt sympathy with the mourners, he said that the police ‘brutality’ on religious processions under the guise of epidemic situation was a reflection of the authorities’ policy of completely depriving the Muslim people of their religious freedom.
Mourners participated in the procession and remembered the martyrs of Karbala with tearful eyes. The procession was taken out at Gulshanpora and culminated at Imambargah Khanqah Mir Shamas-ud-Din Iraqi (RA).
In Zadibal area of Srinagar, mourners gathered at Kathimaidan and tried to come on main road in shape of procession. Police used tear smoke shells and disperse them. A police official said that mourners resorted to stone pelting at Kathimaidan. A Selection Grade Constable Showkat Ahmed (1007/s) from police station Soura sustained head injuries. However, his condition is stated to be stable.
After tear smoke shelling and pellet firing incident in Zadibal, IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar, SSP Srinagar and SP Hazratbal visited Alamgaribazar and Zadibal to take stock of the situation.
Eyewitnesses told KNT that mourners tried to march from Hakabazar Lalbazar towards Imam Bara Zadibal, police however didn’t allow them and fired tear gas shells and dispersed them
At Pandrathan area in Srinagar outskirts, a Muharram procession was taken from petrol pump Pandrathan that culminated peacefully at Imambara. The mourners followed proper SOP’s.
Police used tear smoke shells after mourners tried to take out a procession at Doonipora Khushalsar and tried to come on main road at Alamgaribazar.
Processions were taken out in the interiors of Bagwanpora, Khanka-e-Moula, Nowlari, Nabidpora Hawal, Balhama and other parts.
Homage was paid to Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions during Friday congregational prayers at mosques and shrines across Kashmir Valley.
Clad in black attire, carrying black banners, mourners paid respect to Imam (AS) and his companions while taking out huge mourning processions at several places in city. The largest Ashura procession was taken out at Zadibal locality of Hawal area in old Srinagar that was marked by violence.
Tight security arrangements were put into place in Srinagar by the authorities to thwart any untoward incident. City Centre Lal Chowk was made out of bounds for the people.
The reports of Muharram processions have been received from all southern and northern districts of Kashmir valley.
In the deserts of Karbala, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad SAW, Imam Hussain AS, laid down his life along with 72 other aides, who included his family, children and acquaintances, on the 10th of Muharram. The day commemorated as Youm-e-Ashura.
Imam (AS) along with 72 loyals was martyred by Yazid. The martyrdom of Imam Hussain AS, which teaches the lessons of righteousness over evil, truth, dignity, rights, is remembered by the Muslims across the world every year during the month of Muharram. (KNT)