Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 25

Thousands of Shia Muslims are expected to participate in Ashura processions across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday under extensive security arrangements, as authorities seek to ensure the peaceful observance of one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar amid heightened vigilance ahead of the annual Amarnath pilgrimage.

Ashura, observed on the 10th day of Muharram, commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who was killed along with his family members and companions in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.

For Shia Muslims, the occasion symbolises sacrifice, justice and resistance against oppression.

Officials said ‘Alam’ and ‘Zuljanah’ processions would be held at dozens of locations across Kashmir and Ladakh, with large gatherings expected in Srinagar, Budgam, Anantnag, Pulwama, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Kulgam and other districts.

In Srinagar, mourners are scheduled to take out the traditional procession through parts of the old city before culminating at the Zadibal Imambara, one of the Valley’s principal centres for Muharram observances.

Authorities said the procession would follow an approved route but would not pass through Abi Guzar near the city centre.

For decades, the traditional Ashura procession began at Abi Guzar and passed through several downtown localities before ending at Zadibal.

The route was prohibited during the late 1980s because of security concerns, although the administration has, in recent years, gradually restored some Muharram processions after long restrictions.

Officials noted that processions on the 8th and 10th days of Muharram have been permitted on designated routes over the past three years without major incident, reflecting a gradual easing of restrictions while retaining extensive security arrangements.

Police and civil authorities have deployed personnel at sensitive locations across the Union Territory, with surveillance, traffic regulation and crowd-management measures put in place to facilitate the religious gatherings.

The Traffic Department issued an advisory announcing diversions and temporary restrictions on vehicular movement in several areas, urging commuters to plan their travel.

The security deployment also comes as Jammu and Kashmir prepares for the annual Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3, prompting authorities to maintain an enhanced security grid across the region.

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Shia Muslims through mourning processions, religious gatherings and recitations commemorating the events of Karbala.

Authorities appealed to religious leaders, organisers and the public to cooperate with security personnel to ensure the observances pass off peacefully.