Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has approved the traditional route for the Muharram-8 procession in Srinagar, continuing the practice that was revived last year after a decades-long gap.
The decision comes at a time when the Valley is witnessing heightened security arrangements in preparation for the annual Amarnath Yatra, which begins on July 3.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, while addressing the media on Thursday, confirmed that the Muharram procession will be allowed to follow its historic route this year as well.
The Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to last 52 days, has prompted a massive deployment of armed forces, advanced surveillance systems, and improved logistics. The administration is also taking extra care to maintain harmony during this sensitive period.
Officials believe that allowing the Muharram-8 procession through its traditional route is a signal of restored trust and improving law and order in the region. Armed forces will be on high alert, especially as the dates of the Yatra and the Ashura processions overlap partially this year.
The Muharram procession, particularly on the 8th and 10th days, holds deep religious significance for the Shia Muslim community in Kashmir. The traditional route had been restricted for more than three decades due to security concerns, with last year marking the first time it was allowed again.
The administration’s decision is being viewed as a confidence-building step, aimed at fostering a sense of inclusivity while ensuring that both the Yatra and Muharram events proceed peacefully.
Meanwhile, LG Sinha also appealed to the people of Kashmir to continue their tradition of warmly welcoming Yatra pilgrims, saying the region’s hospitality remains unmatched.
