Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday joined the Ashura, the 10th Muharram procession by Shia mourners in Srinagar.
On Youm-e-Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, a large Muharram procession was taken out from the Bota Kadal area in the downtown Srinagar.
This day commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.
The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, holds deep religious significance for Muslims, particularly the Shia community, who observe it by recalling the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala.
Mourners, wearing black dresses, recite elegies and flagellate their chests to show solidarity with the Karbala martyrs.
LG Manoj Sinha joined the procession at Bota Kaldal in downtown Srinagar.
“I pay my tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions. Their sacrifice for peace, love, and compassion, guiding us to build a society based on equality and harmony. Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) gave the message of selfless service and guided humanity to care for those who are less fortunate. Young generation must learn from the life and virtues of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and walk on the righteous path shown by him,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Sinha also distributed water among the Shia mourners.
The Shia mourners chanted pro-Islamic slogans and beat their chests during the Muharram procession.
The NC president and three-time former J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah also joined the Muharram procession in Zadibal.
J&K BJP leaders also joined the Muharram processions and BJP leaders and workers distributed water and refreshments among the Shia mourners.
The Muharram procession concluded at Imambara Zadibal in the downtown area.
Roads along the procession were kept only for the processions, with stalls set up by volunteers for water and other juices which are distributed to the mourners.
Tight security arrangements were made for the Muharram procession with police and paramilitary personnel in strength deployed on the Muharram route.
The 10th Muharram (Ashura) procession was also taken out in Shia dominated Budgam town.
The main Zuljana procession began from Bab-Ul-Ilem Imambara in Mirgund early in the morning and is scheduled to culminate late in the evening at Daar-Ul-Mustafa, Budgam.
Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, along with SSP Budgam, Nikhil Borkar participated in the procession from Mirgund. They were also accompanied by Director Health Services Kashmir, ADC Budgam, CPO Budgam, CMO Budgam, and other concerned district officers.
The Muharram processions were also taken out in other parts of the valley and Jammu region.
This marked the third consecutive year that the 10th Muharram procession was allowed in Srinagar after a 35-year ban was lifted in 2023, reflecting a broader move towards peace and normalcy in the region.
The administration had issued directions for mourners to follow guidelines and warned action against breaching them.
On 8th Muharram, police had registered an FIR against individuals accused of violating the guidelines during Muharram procession in Srinagar.
An FIR No. 41/2025 was registered at Police Station Kothibagh under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) as the actions were intended to provoke unrest, disturb public order, and disrupt communal harmony, posing a serious threat to the security and integrity of the nation.