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News18
17-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Muharram Returns To Kashmir's Streets: A March Of Mourning, Resilience, And Revival
The 2025 Muharram procession in Kashmir was more than a march—it was a message. A message that fear can fade. That faith can find footing again For the second consecutive year since 1989, the echoes of 'Ya Hussain" reverberated through the heart of Srinagar as tens of thousands of mourners peacefully participated in the 8th and 10th Muharram processions—events long banned during the violent years of Pakistan-backed insurgency in Kashmir. This wasn't just a religious congregation; it was a moment of historic reckoning. After 34 years, the street belonged again to the mourners, not the militants. At the helm of this dramatic shift stood Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, whose administration decisively facilitated the restoration of these iconic processions. The L-G, who has been pivotal in reshaping Kashmir's post-Article 370 governance narrative, personally monitored preparations, security drills, and interfaith outreach meetings leading up to the event. 'This is about trust, constitutional rights, and the people's faith in the state. We have delivered on that promise," said Sinha in a press briefing. The numbers speak volumes. More than 20,000 people marched in Srinagar alone on the 8th and 10th of Muharram, following the traditional route from Abi Guzar to Dalgate—a path that had been sealed for decades. Across Jammu and Kashmir, over 40,000 participants were recorded in various processions. Not a single incident of violence was reported. Security arrangements were unprecedented. The state deployed 3,500+ personnel, installed 80+ CCTV cameras, used drones with facial recognition, and ensured real-time surveillance. Quick reaction teams were stationed every 300 metres. Sanitation, lighting, and medical booths were operational across the route—something unimaginable during the earlier years of curfews and crackdowns. 'This is not just about allowing a procession," said Shia cleric Syed Rizwan Haider. 'It's about restoring a people's dignity and their right to mourn publicly after three decades of silence, fear, and forced erasure." Years of Ban, Bullets, and Blood: 1990-2020 To understand the emotional weight of this year's Muharram procession, one must turn back to the dark decades of 1990 to 2020, when the valley bled daily, and faith was muffled under the boot of insurgency. In 1989, as Pakistan-sponsored militancy erupted, the J&K government imposed a ban on major religious processions, particularly the 8th and 10th of Muharram. Officials feared that such large gatherings could become easy targets for terrorists or turn into flashpoints for pro-Azadi, anti-India sloganeering. That fear was not misplaced. By the mid-90s, terror groups like Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed had begun infiltrating even religious congregations, using them to propagate separatism or conceal movement. The state responded with hard crackdowns. In 1993, security forces opened fire on a Muharram gathering in Zadibal, killing nine people, an incident still etched in the communal psyche. Over the years, several such unauthorised processions ended in detentions, baton charges, or gunfire. In 2010 and 2016, young mourners were arrested en masse for defying the ban. In Budgam, 202 participants were booked under Section 144 just for attempting to carry an alam (religious flag) on the 10th of Muharram. Between 1990 and 2010 alone, over 13,000 civilians died in militancy-related violence, according to the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP). The Valley saw more than 500 terror incidents annually, many concentrated in urban areas where Muharram processions traditionally passed. But despite the crackdown, the Shia community adapted with quiet resilience. They mourned in back lanes, organised majalis (gatherings) indoors, and passed on the ritualistic heritage behind closed doors. From Kargil to Baramulla, the procession became less about public spectacle and more about personal defiance. 'The ban never killed our spirit," said 70-year-old Hajji Abbas of Rainawari. 'It only made our grief deeper. It made our faith private and more political at the same time." Reconciliation, Strategy, and the Politics of Peace So, what changed in 2025? Is the return of the Muharram procession a genuine act of reconciliation—or a calculated move to craft an image of normalcy in post-militancy Kashmir? The answer, while complex, leans towards transformation rather than mere tokenism. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the security landscape in the Valley has undergone a dramatic shift. Militancy has declined sharply, creating the space—both psychological and logistical—for such public expressions of faith to re-emerge. According to recent reports from the Ministry of Home Affairs, terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir fell by an astonishing 85 per cent between 2019 and 2024. Civilian casualties dropped from 78 in 2019 to just six in 2024. The number of active local militants, once over 230 in 2018, is now fewer than 35. Cross-border infiltration attempts, long a hallmark of Pakistan's proxy war, have plummeted by 92 per cent. These aren't just statistics; they're indicators of a deeply recalibrated threat matrix—one that gives the state an opportunity to reimagine its relationship with civil society. 'This was a litmus test," said a senior police officer on condition of anonymity. 'If we could conduct Muharram processions without a single untoward incident, it validates our counter-insurgency strategy and also builds trust with the community." Indeed, for security agencies and policymakers, this year's peaceful procession is both an operational success and a political signal: Kashmir is stable enough to allow long-banned, emotionally charged public gatherings. But not everyone is convinced of the state's altruism. Critics argue that the revival of these processions is more curated than organic. With the first Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections in the post-370 era expected later this year, sceptics see the timing as politically calculated. 'The procession is welcome, but let's not pretend this isn't about optics," said a political analyst from Kashmir University. 'It's about Delhi showing the world that Kashmir is 'normal' again." Yet, beyond the political choreography, the ground reality told a different, more hopeful story. For the first time in decades, Sunnis, Sikhs, and even Kashmiri Pandits were seen voluntarily participating—distributing water, food, and medical aid along the route. Social media was flooded with powerful images of interfaith solidarity, often captioned with lines like, 'Karbala unites where politics divides." The communal spirit was authentic, spontaneous, and deeply emotional. Symbolism in Kashmir has always carried weight. And this year, it mattered that the state didn't just allow the narrative of Muharram to unfold—it actively enabled and amplified it. The lieutenant governor's office wasn't a passive observer; it orchestrated logistics, ensured security, and even promoted the event's peaceful conduct as a hallmark of a 'new Kashmir". This is governance used as message, not just mechanism. Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, one of India's most respected voices on Kashmir, summed it up with military precision: 'In conflict zones, perception is firepower. When people march and soldiers guard—not clash—it's psychological warfare won by the state." That perception, this time, was of a Kashmir walking not in protest or panic, but in unity, memory, and peace. The Road Ahead top videos View all The 2025 Muharram procession in Kashmir was more than a march—it was a message. A message that fear can fade. That faith can find footing again. That a valley once silenced by gunfire can now echo with elegy and unity. Yes, questions linger. Will this be an annual norm or a one-off exception? Can this public expression coexist with political dissent? Will the trust extended to the people this year survive the election cycles and policy shifts? But for now, what matters is this: the 8th and 10th of Muharram are no longer banned days on a government calendar. They are once again sacred dates etched on the streets of Srinagar—with blood, with belief, and now, with state support. In Karbala, Imam Hussain chose principle over survival. In Kashmir, his mourners finally walked again—not in defiance, but in dignity. Tehmeena Rizvi is a Policy Analyst and PhD scholar at Bennett University. Her areas of work include Women, Peace, and Security (South Asia), focusing on the intersection of gender, conflict, and religion, with a research emphasis on the Kashmir region, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not reflect News18's views. tags : Article 370 Kashmir Muharram terror view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 17, 2025, 16:12 IST News opinion Opinion | Muharram Returns To Kashmir's Streets: A March Of Mourning, Resilience, And Revival Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Imran Khan to lead anti-govt protest from jail, wants it to 'hit peak' on August 5: Aleema Khan
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf ( PTI ) founder Imran Khan 's sister Aleema Khan has said that her brother would lead the protest from jail and he wants the party's protest against the government to "hit peak" on August 5, the day when he completes two years in jail, Geo News reported. On Tuesday, Aleema Khan said that Imran Khan has directed PTI to begin its anti-government movement after the 10th of Muharram . While speaking to reporters at Gorakhpur check post, Aleema Khan said, "Muharram 10 has passed [...] the party will unveil its strategy now. Khan made the remarks after she, along with Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan, met Imran Khan at Rawalpindi's Adiala jail. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Skype Phone Alternative Undo She said that Imran Khan would lead the protest from prison and criticised the party leadership, quoting Khan as saying that he was free in prison while they are imprisoned outside, Geo News reported. Aleema Khan said, "Our family knows about the protest plan." However, she did not reveal the details regarding the upcoming demonstration. She stated that PTI leaders would inform the media regarding the plan at an appropriate time. Live Events She further stated that the protest route, whether it would begin from Peshawar and proceed to Lahore, will be decided and revealed by PTI. She announced that Imran Khan's entire family would be part of the upcoming protest. Aleema Khan said that Imran Khan conveyed that those who were not able to carry the burden of the political movement should step down. She also spoke about the suspension of 26 PTI lawmakers in the Punjab Assembly , saying that the decision to suspend these lawmakers was taken to "appease [Punjab Chief Minister] Maryam Nawaz ." Aleema Khan alleged that Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were kept in solitary confinement and Khan has not been allowed to meet his physician for the last 10 months. She accused Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz of being involved in the restrictive measures being imposed on Khan, Geo News reported. Speaking to reporters, Imran Khan's sister, Noreen Niazi, said that he was in good health. However, she alleged that the jail authorities did not allow Imran Khan to watch television, read newspapers or any reading material for the past week. Last week, PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram said his party first delayed the nationwide protests due to the conflict between Israel and Iran, and later it was postponed out of respect for Muharram days, as per the report. PTI spokesperson said that protests in the first phase would be held in provinces and districts. In response to a question, he said the PTI workers should not be exposed to live bullets. He said, "When the first bullet was fired, the PTI founder won."
Business Recorder
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Youm-e-Ashur observed with religious devotion, solemnity
KARACHI: Like the rest of the country, Karachi observed the 10th of Muharram, Youm-e-Ashur, with religious devotion and solemnity on Sunday as thousands of mourners took to the streets to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in the battle of Karbala. The megacity's central procession began from Nishtar Park, under the guidance of Pak Hyderi Scouts. Before the procession set off, senior cleric Allama Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi addressed a large gathering at the park, shedding light on the trials of Karbala and the significance of Imam Hussain's (RA) stand for truth and justice. Later, participants, clad in black and carrying religious symbols marched solemnly through their traditional route. Security remained extremely tight throughout the day. More than 20,000 police and Rangers personnel were deployed across the city to ensure peace, while rooftop sharpshooters, sniffer dogs, drones, and hundreds of CCTV cameras kept a close watch on the entire procession route. Mobile phone services were partially suspended in sensitive areas, and a city-wide ban on pillion riding was imposed as a precautionary measure. Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah joined the mourners at Sea Breeze, a gesture that reflected the government's resolve to facilitate peaceful religious observance. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
04-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Strict security measures in place as 8th Muharram processions, majalis continue
Video recording of sensitive processions and majalis will be ensured. PHOTO: APP On the 8th of Muharram, mourning processions and religious gatherings (majalis) are being held across Punjab, including Lahore, with great reverence and solemnity. Large numbers of mourners, including women and children, are participating in these commemorations, paying tribute to the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions, and reflecting on the tragic events of Karbala. Read: Karachi traffic plan unveiled for Muharram processions Stringent security arrangements have been implemented to ensure the peaceful conduct of Muharram processions and majalis. According to data provided by the Punjab home department and police authorities, over 58,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed across the province, along with more than 27,000 community volunteers assisting in maintaining order. In Lahore alone, over 3,600 police officers have been assigned to security duties. A total of 86 mourning processions are being taken out in the city today, while 416 majalis are scheduled. The central procession of 8th Muharram in Lahore was taken out from Imambargah Darbar Hussain, located inside Mori Gate, drawing a large crowd of mourners. The symbolic "Shabeeh-e-Zuljanah" procession will follow its designated route and is expected to reach Imambargah Bait-ul-Raza in Old Anarkali by evening. Province-wide, a total of 1,365 processions and 3,940 majalis are being held today. Throughout 10 ten days of Muharram, security across Punjab will remain on high alert. Authorities are employing CCTV surveillance, drone monitoring, and other modern security tools, especially in sensitive areas. The administration has urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement personnel and immediately report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.
India Gazette
04-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Srinagar: Senior police officials distribute water among Shia mourners participating in Muharram procession
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 4 (ANI): Senior police officials of the Jammu and Kashmir police distributed water bottles among the Shia mourners who participated in the Muharram procession on Friday. According to IGP Kashmir Zone, Vidhi Kumar Birdi, the J-K police and officials have made security-related arrangements to ensure that the 'Azadars' do not face any kind of problem. He informed that traffic regulations were also imposed as the procession was being held in the main area of the city. 'For the 8th of Muharram, the Jammu and Kashmir police and civil authorities have made various security-related arrangements, ensuring that the Azadars visiting here do not face any problems. Apart from this, because a procession is taking place in the Main area, traffic advisories were also issued', VK Birdi told reporters. Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir police are in contact with the organisers and other officials to ensure all security and traffic arrangements are made for the Azadars and the public. 'Regarding the 10th of Muharram, in various locations, all the organisers, J&K Police, and the District Superintendent of Police are in contact to ensure the entire facility and all security and traffic arrangements are made for the Azadars and the public', VK Birdi said. People gathered in large numbers on the roads of Srinagar ahead of the traditional Muharram procession on Friday. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said, 'This is the third consecutive year when Muharram is being observed. The District Administration has made all necessary arrangements for the 'azadaars'. Police arrangements have been made keeping safety and security in mind... I urge everyone to keep the procession limited to its religious significance... Amarnath Yatra is also going on simultaneously...' Muharram holds significant religious importance for Shia Muslims. In India, the 7-8 crore Shia Muslim community, along with people of different religions, participate in large processions and tazias. (ANI)
