Islam is resistance against injustices: Abdullah
Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, July 6: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today joined thousands of mourners in Srinagar’s old city to mark Yaum-e-Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram-ul-Haram, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in Karbala.
Sinha participated in the Zuljanah procession at Botakadal-one of the key events of Ashura-where he draped an embroidered chadar over the Zuljanah and joined a chhabeel (refreshment stall) set up by the Jammu and Kashmir Police to serve water to mourners.
“On the solemn occasion of Youm-e-Ashura, I pay tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions. Their sacrifice for peace, love and compassion guides us to build a society based on equality and harmony,” the LG said.
The main procession started at Botakadal and culminated at Imambargah Zadibal, drawing thousands of mourners dressed in black, chanting elegies and beating their chests in mourning. Several volunteer groups had set up water and refreshment stalls along the route.
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National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, accompanied by his grandsons Zamir and Zahir Abdullah also participated in the Srinagar procession and distributed water.
Speaking to the media, Abdullah expressed solidarity with Palestine and Iran. “We stand with the people of Palestine and Iran in their struggles. Islam is a religion of peace and resistance against injustice,” he said, drawing parallels with the message of Karbala.
Authorities deployed additional police and paramilitary forces to ensure a peaceful observance. Roads on the procession route were sealed for traffic, and tight security was maintained throughout the day. “Police have made elaborate arrangements for Muharram processions in Srinagar city, and multiple deployments have been done to ensure hassle-free movement of people coming from other districts,” IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi said.
People’s Conference leader Imran Raza Ansari said, “this is not something new. Muslims have been commemorating this sacrifice for 1,400 years. People from various parts of Kashmir come to participate.”
On reports of FIRs being filed against mourners, he said, “this should not happen-they came out to mourn. Action against them is unwarranted.”
Meanwhile, police registered an FIR against individuals accused of violating guidelines during the 8th Muharram procession on MA Road, alleging deliberate and unlawful acts.
National Conference spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq condemned the FIRs. “The mourners raised emotional, not anti-national, slogans. We urge LG Manoj Sinha to intervene and ensure their release,” he added.
Ashura processions were also held in Budgam, where Deputy Commissioner Bilal Mohi-ud-Din joined the mourners. Peaceful processions were also taken out at Baramulla, Sopore, Kulgam, Tral, Pahalgam and Anantnag.
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