Srinagar : Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front (J&KPDF) and former Minister Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen on Saturday urged the Government to allow the traditional Muharram processions that remains banned in main Srinagar city since the onset of militancy in the early 90’s.
In a statement issued from party headquarters here, “ Since there has been a discernable improvement in the situation in Jammu and Kashmir , government should now allow traditional Muharram processions in Srinagar . Hakeem Yaseen said in a statement issued on Saturday. He said allowing 8th Muharam procession from Shaheed Ganj to Dalgate , Srinagar followed by Ashurah procession would be a goodwill gesture towards upholding religious sentiments of Muslim community especially Shia Brethren . “The step will go a long way in restoring confidence and faith on religious freedom guaranteed under the Constitution, PDF leader observed .
He said government should take on board various religious bodies particularly Shia leaders and law enforcing agencies so that fool proof arrangements were taken for peaceful conduct of 8th Muharram and Ashoora processions with full religious sanctity and fervor.
The PDF Chairman said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir especially Muslim Ummah were much concerned about revival of major traditional Muharam processions in Srinagar just like other small mourning rallies in various areas of Jammu and Kashmir .
