Aqzar Raheel

Srinagar, June 23 (KNZ/TMJ): The Srinagar district administration has granted permission for the traditional 8th Muharram procession to be taken out on June 24 along the historic Guru Bazar-Dalgate route.

According to an order issued by the District Magistrate Srinagar, the procession will commence from Guru Bazar at 6 a.m. and proceed through Budshah Kadal and M.A. Road before culminating at Dalgate.

Officials said the tail of the procession is expected to cross Jehangir Chowk at around 7 a.m. and reach the J&K Bank Headquarters on M.A. Road by approximately 8:30 a.m.

The permission was accorded following recommendations from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Srinagar, and after reviewing the arrangements for the peaceful conduct of the religious event.

The administration has laid down a series of conditions to ensure public safety, smooth traffic management and maintenance of law and order during the procession.

As per the order, participants will use only one side of M.A. Road, while the other side will remain open for emergency service vehicles. Organisers have been directed to ensure that the procession adheres strictly to the approved schedule and route.

The order prohibits anti-national speeches, provocative sloganeering, display of photographs of terrorists, and flags or symbols of banned organisations. The use of drones during the procession has also been barred.

Authorities have instructed organisers to maintain communal harmony, prevent damage to public property, provide first-aid facilities and cooperate fully with police and other security agencies deployed along the route.

Officials warned that any violation of the conditions stipulated in the permission order would invite legal action.

The traditional 8th Muharram procession along the Guru Bazar-Dalgate route is among the most significant religious observances in Kashmir and is attended by thousands of mourners every year.(KNZ/TMJ)