After 3 decades, J&K allows Muharram procession, Omar Abdullah welcomes Centre’s decision

After over three decades, J&K authorities allowed the 8th Muharram procession to pass through its traditional route on July 27. Taking to Twitter, J&K Police quoted, “Historic day, march towards peace and stability”. Notably, the procession was carried out on the traditional route of Shaheed Gunj to Dalgate. This route was thrown out of bounds for the processions in the backdrop of the law and order situation since 1989. Meanwhile, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah welcomed the Central Government's decision to allow the Muharram procession. Furthermore, Abdullah asked Centre to allow offering prayers at Jamia Masjid, Srinagar every Friday. The administration granted two-hour permission for the procession to be carried out between 6 to 8 am. Locals thanked the J&K administration for giving the permission for the procession after 33 years. The administration put all security arrangements in place to prevent any law and order situation during processions. Significantly, ADGP Kashmir Zone Vijay Kumar chaired a high-level meeting to discuss arrangements. SSP Srinagar was also advised to use technology like drones to monitor crowd gathering.