L-G Sinha joins Muharram procession in Srinagar, distributes refreshments to Shia mourners

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday took part in the Ashura procession taken out in Srinagar to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Imam Hussain on the 10th day of Muharram.

As thousands of Shia mourners took out an Ashura procession, L-G Sinha visited Bota Kadal in Lal Bazar area of the city before the procession started, officials said.

Sinha distributed water among the Shia mourners before the procession began from Bora Kadala and culminated at Zadibal Imambara, the officials said.

The L-G in a post on X paid tributes to Imam Hussain and his sacrifice. “Paid my tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions. Their sacrifice for peace, love, and compassion guiding us to build a society based on equality and harmony.

“Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) gave the message of selfless service and guided humanity to care for those who are less fortunate. Young generation must learn from the life and virtues of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and walk on the righteous path shown by him,” Sinha said.

The chest-beating and wailing mourners passed through the city roads, eulogising Hussain’s sacrifice in the fight between good and evil. Authorities had made adequate arrangements for ensuring an incident-free Muharram procession.

Security forces were deployed all along the route while police and volunteers had set up stalls to distribute water among the mourners, said officials.

Meanwhile, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah also took part in a procession in Old Srinagar city. Speaking to reporters, he said, “Muslims should unite against all evil. That’s the only way the world will see peace.”

Abdullah called Islam a religion of peace and brotherhood. “Islam teaches peace and brotherhood and that is the message Hussain carried ... to fight against tyranny and to fight against evil,” he said.