Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 26

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah joined thousands of mourners participating in the Ashura procession at Zadibal in Srinagar on Friday, paying tribute to Imam Hussain and describing his sacrifice as an enduring message of justice, compassion, and humanity.

The two leaders separately joined the traditional Zuljanah procession, one of the principal events marking the 10th day of Muharram in the Kashmir Valley.

LG Sinha offered floral tributes to Imam Hussain and his companions and interacted with mourners participating in the procession.

“The supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions continues to guide humanity towards peace, justice, equality, and compassion,” Sinha said, urging society to draw inspiration from the values of selfless service and care for the underprivileged.

The Lieutenant Governor also joined volunteers in distributing refreshments among mourners assembled along the procession route.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah likewise participated in the observance by visiting a sabeel, or refreshment camp, where he distributed water and milk to mourners alongside volunteers.

Accompanied by his adviser Nasir Aslam Wani and Zadibal legislator Tanvir Sadiq, Abdullah interacted with participants and appreciated community volunteers for assisting pilgrims and mourners during the day’s observances.

The chief minister later visited the shrine of Mir Shams-ud-Din Araqi at Zadibal, where he offered prayers for peace, communal harmony, and the well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Their participation came as tens of thousands of mourners gathered across the Valley for Ashura processions that concluded peacefully under elaborate security arrangements.

Senior officials said the administration had worked closely with religious organisations and community representatives to facilitate the observances, continuing the gradual restoration of traditional Muharram processions in Srinagar after decades of restrictions.