Ashoora processions, curbs mark day

Srinagar, Sep 21: Paying allegiance to Imam Hussain (as), tens of thousands of Shia Muslims here commemorated Youm-i-Ashoora by holding processions from morning to night on Friday. With people from all walks of life participating in the day long procession, they said, “Muharam is the month of resistance which rejuvenates the spirit to stand against oppression.”
In some Shia-dominated areas, particularly in Zadibal and Budgam, massive Ashura processions were taken out, but many people faced difficulty in reaching these areas due to restrictions and concertina wires laid on roads to block traffic movement.
Government had issued an order to impose restrictions in areas under the jurisdiction of 13 police stations. The areas included Karan Nagar, Shaheed Gunj, Batamaloo, Shergari, Maisuma, Kothibagh, Kralkhud, Ram Munshi Bagh, Rainawari, Nowhatta, Khanyar, MR Gunj and Safakadal.
All shops and business establishments remained closed in these areas throughout the day, while traffic movement was also paralysed in the old city.
Authorities disallowed congregational weekly prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid in downtown Srinagar by imposing restrictions in the area.
An official said the restrictions were imposed in parts of Srinagar as a “precautionary measure” to regulate Muharram processions in the city.
Early Friday morning, Hurriyat (M) chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who delivers a sermon every Friday, was placed under house arrest.
“Curbs curfew & House Arrests continue, even on #Aashura ! No Friday prayers allowed at many mosques in the city including #JamaMasjid by the rulers. Even majlis-e-tableeg to pay tributes to #ImamHussian(AS) and #MartyrsOf Karbala which I was going to address,barred!” tweeted Mirwaiz.
Mourners were seen carrying black banners and shouting slogans in praise of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions who were martyred in Karbala, some 1,400 years ago. Every year on the 10th of Moharram, Shia Muslims mark the day of Youm-e-Ashura to remember the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA).
Men, women and children clad in black clothes were out on the roads, while some women looked out from windows of their houses and beat their breasts when the procession passed.
Several volunteers and self-help groups had pitched tents to feed the mourners along the path of the procession, and to ensure that roads were not blocked. Several ambulances were also kept ready in case of emergency, and there were free medical check-up and blood donations camps along the way.
Anjuman Shari Shian president and senior separatist leader Aga Syed Hasan Almosvi Alsafvi led a massive procession on Youm-i-Ashura in district Budgam. Youm-i-Ashoora was observed throughout the district, with Alam, Zuljinah and Tazia processions taken out amid tight security arrangements.
Thousands of mourners participated in the procession that emerged from Babul Alam Mirgund and culminated at Markazi Imambara Budgam where Aga Syed Hasan led Friday congregational prayers.
Mourners were seen carrying black banners and shouting slogans in praise of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions who were martyred in Karbala, some 1,400 years ago. Every year on the 10th of Moharram, Shia Muslims mark the day of Youm-e-Ashura to remember the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA).
Anjuman Shari Shian President and senior separatist leader Aga Syed Hasan threw light on life and teachings of Imam Hussain (A.S) and asked people to follow the path and teachings of Islam, besides he said that the martyrs of karbala have set an example before us through their deeds, which will remain till the last day of this world. He said Imam Hussain (RA) fought against the evil forces who were hell bent spread anarchy and tarnish the image of Islam.
He condemned the use of force on mourners and said that authorities thrash mourners for organizing peaceful religious processions. “It is direct intervention into the religious affairs that is highly condemnable. The curbs on these processions are uncalled for and need to be lifted without any delay.” he said.
A Zuljana procession was also led by Aga Syed Muntazir Almosvi at Zadibal. The procession emerged from Botakadal Gulshan Bagh and ended at the shrine of Mir Shamasuddin Iraqi. Thousands of mourners participated in the procession.
Besides, Zuljina processions were taken out at Abadpora, Awadawra, Bogha Chhal, Astan Sharif Wuyen Chadoora, Palar Budgam, Malik Gund Chatargam, Astanpora Sikandarpora, Gulshan Bagh Batakadal, Khomeni Chowk, Awdeena, Zalpora, Gund Nawgam, Sonaburn, Inderkoot, Gawmadao, Kehnpeth, Chhalipora, Hayatpora, Batapora, Rawalpora , Malapora, Daslipora, Chhalipora, Devrah, Norkah, Kamalkot Uri, Panar Jagir, Chhatargul and other areas.
Ashoora processions were also taken out at Dub, Balti Kullan and Sarbal in Ganderbal, Sultanpora, Habak Tango and Aram Pora area of Pattan.