Srinagar, June 24: Thousands of mourners participated in the traditional 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar on Wednesday, with black flags and mourning banners adorning the city centre as devotees gathered in large numbers to commemorate the sacrifice of the martyrs of Karbala.
The procession commenced from Guru Bazar in the early morning hours and proceeded along the traditional route via Budshah Kadal and M.A. Road towards Dalgate. Sabeels, medical camps and volunteer-run service stalls were set up along the route, providing water, refreshments and assistance to mourners, as per news agency JKNS.
Participants from different parts of Kashmir joined the procession, carrying black standards and taking part in commemorative rituals amid an atmosphere of solemn remembrance.
Authorities had put in place elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the procession, including security deployment, traffic regulation, medical facilities, sanitation measures and uninterrupted essential services. Traffic diversions remained in force on major roads connected to the route, while designated parking facilities were arranged for participants.
Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, said comprehensive security and traffic arrangements had been made for the procession from Guru Bazar to Dalgate and Imamabad.
Speaking to reporters at Lal Chowk, SSP said Srinagar Police, in coordination with paramilitary forces and the traffic police, had meticulously planned security measures across the entire route. He said drone surveillance was also being used to enhance security and ensure smooth conduct of the event.
Dr. Chakravarthy urged the public and organisers to follow traffic advisories and cooperate with security agencies to facilitate the peaceful conclusion of the procession.
He further said similar elaborate arrangements had already been planned for the 10th Muharram procession in the Jadibal area, adding that all efforts were being made to ensure its smooth and peaceful conduct as well. (JKNS)
