SRINAGAR: A legislator from Budgam constituency has formally requested the Jammu and Kashmir administration to lift the prohibition on Ashura processions and ensure the unfettered religious rights of the community during Muharram observances.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Budgam MLA, representing the Anjuman Sharie Shian, presented these demands during a high-level review meeting convened by the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir. The meeting was organized to finalize arrangements for Muharram, a period of mourning in the Islamic calendar.
The legislator’s participation in the review came after a directive from Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi, president of Anjuman Sharie Shian. The organisation sought to formally convey its concerns to the administration regarding restrictions on religious processions and the detention of youths associated with these observances.
During the meeting, the MLA submitted a memorandum that specifically called for the revocation of the long-standing ban on the ‘Muthid-i-Jaloos’ Ashura, a significant procession observed by Shia Muslims. The memorandum also pressed for legal recourse for detained youths, including the withdrawal of First Information Reports (FIRs) and cases registered under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Furthermore, it demanded the unconditional release of individuals currently incarcerated in jails located outside the region.
Beyond the demands for lifting bans and releasing detainees, the legislator emphasized the need for comprehensive civic amenities to facilitate Muharram observances across the Valley. Strict directives were urged for all line departments to ensure the uninterrupted provision of essential services, including water supply, electricity, sanitation, and healthcare, throughout the mourning period. This ensures that the religious customs and rituals can be performed without disruption, reflecting a commitment to maintaining public order while respecting religious freedoms.
The administration has been tasked with reviewing the submitted memorandum and implementing necessary measures to address the concerns raised. The upcoming Muharram period will be closely watched for the administration’s response to these demands, which highlight the delicate balance between security protocols and the constitutional right to religious freedom.
The Chenab Times News Desk