Tazia, Zuljinah and Alam processions mark Ashoora across J&K

People, especially from Sunni sect, were also seen offering refreshments to the mourners



To commemorate the martyrdom of Imam-e-Hussain ( AS) and his companions numbering 72 in the desert of Karbala, the Shia Muslims took out the processions of Tazia, Zuljinah and Alam at different places across the J&K State today. However, in Srinagar the main Muharram procession on traditional route from Abiguzar to Zadibal could not be taken out due to ban since the eruption of militancy. The main procession in Jammu was taken out from Imambargah New Plots which merged with another procession at Peer Metha and jointly marched towards the Karbala Complex at Wazarat Road. The processions passing through the different routes of the city including New Plots, Amphalla, Ustaad Mohalla, Panjtirthi, Jain Bazar, Lakhdata Bazar, Rajinder Bazar, Shahidi Chowk and finally culminated at Karbala Complex Jammu. The people including of all religion, caste and creed also paid rich tributes to Imam-e-Hussain, the grand son of Prophet Mohammad (SAW) who laid down his life for the cause of truth and humanity which was at the brink of disaster at the hands of Yazeed the tyrant ruler of Syria. Thousands of Shia Muslims participated in the procession while beating their chests with hands and sharp edged objects. They were reciting couplets describing the tragedy of Karbala. The participation of Shia Muslims was large due to the migrant students of Kargil, Leh and the employees of ‘Darbar Move’. The government had made elaborate arrangement of security to avoid any untoward situation, PHE, PDD, Traffic Police and Municipal Corporation Jammu have been making efforts for last 10 days to fulfill their responsibilities to the satisfaction of the people. Relevant to mention here that prior to Militancy the Muharram procession used to be taken out from Abiguzar to Zadibal but during the Governor’s rule of Jagmohan in 1990 it was banned on the plea of militancy which is still to continued. The Shia Muslims since two decades taking out procession in respective pockets inhabited by Shia Muslims in Srinagar including Zadiba, Hassanabad and Bemina. At Peer Metha, while addressing the mourners, the head priest said that the truth prevails always and those who die for humanity remain alive and are remembered always. Others who spoke on the occasion include Fida Hussain Mousawi, master Hafeez Raza etc.

SRINAGAR: Despite prevailing harsh cold conditions, Ashoora processions were taken out in different parts of the valley on the eve of 10th Muharram, marking the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and 72 martyrs at Karbala (Iraq) for the protection of Islam over 1300 years ago. Thousands of mourners took out a procession from Sheribhat area here and culminated into the ‘Majlis-e-Shaam-e-Gareebaan’ at the historic Imambara of Zadibal Alamgari Bazar late this evening. It was the largest Zuljanah procession in Valley with nearly fifty thousand mourners participating in it. Groups of the mourners, most of them bare-footed, were seen striking sharp edged blades and knives on various body parts. The blood continue to spill on the streets even as condition of some of the mourners weaken during the self-flagellation process. They were provided immediate first-aid by medical teams deputed by the state administrations. Apart from make shift tents, ambulances with doctors, para-medics and medicines were kept ready at the place. Many mourners were seen striking their chest and head with hands as they continued to recite Nowha and Marsiya to pay accolade to the martyrs of Karbala. Many devotees were seen touching Zuljannah with reverence while several were seen passing the young children under it. People, especially from Sunni sect, were also seen offering refreshments including special drinks and food to the mourners. The second major procession was taken out at Imambara of Mirgund and after passing through various lanes and by-lanes, it ended at the historic Imambara of Budgam in the central Kashmir. Reports of Zuljinnah and Alam processions were also received from all districts of the valley including Dab Wakora (Ganderbal), Pandraithan and Hassanabad in Srinagar, Pattan, Qazipora in Baramulla district, Gongwa, Wakharwan, Chhatergul, Sallar and Devsar in South Kashmir. Meanwhile, state administrations put barricades at various entry points towards the Alamgari Bazar including Gojwara and Hawal to prevent attempts to disturb it. In Lal Chowk, they said, concertina wires were transversely laid on road stretch near Regal Chowk and Ghata-Ghar (clock tower). However, scores of people led by Aga Syed Hassan Mujtaba took a procession from Moulana Azad Road here. The police stopped them near STRC yard and bundled them in already awaiting police vehicles. Police also foiled a procession led by Nissar Hussein Rather, General Secretary Tehreek Wahadat Islami near Ghataghar as it resorted to baton charge. Police also detained Rather and some of his associates. Reports of Ashoora processions were also received from Jammu including Pir Mitha Imam Bada and after passing through Lakhadata Bazar, Kanak Mandi, Rajinder Bazar and Shaheedi Chowk. In Leh and Kargil Taziya processions were taken out where thousands of mourners participated. Reports said that the administration had made adequate arrangements to ensure a trouble free procession. On Saturday and Sunday last, police resorted to aerial firing besides fired several rounds of teargas shells and use batons to chase away mourners who tried to stage a procession in Commercial hub here. More than 100 mourners were detained while 50 including some police personnel injured in the ensuing clashes.