Muharram processions conclude peacefully in Kashmir amid concern over ‘detention' of Shia mourners
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, National Conference (NC) patron Dr. Farooq Abdullah, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravinder Raina joined Shia Muslims in Srinagar for the occasion.
Also read: Thousands take part in Muharram procession in Srinagar
Wearing black attire and chanting religious slogans, hundreds of Shia mourners gathered in various parts of Srinagar, Budgam, Pulwama, and Baramulla. Through marasiya (elegies), they commemorated the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his companions in the Battle of Karbala over 1,400 years ago.
The largest Muharram procession took place in Srinagar's old city. L-G Sinha participated in the procession at Botakadal and distributed refreshments among the mourners.
Also read: Shivraj Singh Chouhan joins Muharram mourners in Srinagar, announces housing for five lakh in J&K
'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 virtues and walk on the righteous path shown by him,' the Lieutenant Governor said.
However, Shia clerics expressed concern over recent detentions of mourners for allegedly hoisting pro-Palestine and pro-Hezbollah banners during processions, particularly in Srinagar.
'We haven't violated the Constitution or committed any breach of law. So why are FIRs being filed? Are we criminals or thieves? If they (the police) arrest our boys after the 14th (of Muharram), we will court mass arrests. Students' careers are at stake just because they mourned for their Imam. If they are touched, we will not stay calm. We should not be pushed to the wall,' said Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi, a Shia cleric and head of the Anjuman-e-Sharie Shiayan.
NC leader Tanvir Sadiq stated that efforts were underway to secure the release of detained youth. 'The law and order is not with the elected government. However, we are hopeful all detained youth will be released in a couple of days,' Mr. Sadiq said.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police had filed a First Information Report (FIR) against some mourners, alleging attempts to 'provoke unrest and disturb public order' during a procession on July 4. 'These 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,' the police said in a statement.
The past week witnessed tension between mourners and the police over banners displaying pro-Palestine imagery and portraits of Hezbollah leader Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani. Police have not disclosed the number of persons detained or subsequently released in connection with the incident.
Joining mourners at Srinagar's Zadibal locality, Dr. Farooq Abdullah called for broader Muslim solidarity. 'Muslims should unite against all evil. It's the only way to see peace in the world. In fact, Islam preaches peace and brotherhood. It's the same message that was carried forward by Hazrat Imam Hussain, who fought against tyranny and evil. Karbala gave hope that Islam will survive against all odds,' Dr. Abdullah said.
Kashmir's chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, also paid tribute to the martyrs of Karbala. 'Imam Hussain (RA) refused to bow before oppression, setting an eternal example for all who stand for truth and justice. His sacrifice in Karbala remains a shining chapter in Islamic and human history,' he said.
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