The Jammu & Kashmir Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian has commenced its annual Arbaeen-e-Hussaini (AS) commemorations and mourning processions across various parts of the Kashmir Valley to mark the 40th day of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS).

As part of these observances, a grand religious gathering was held at Labertal, Budgam, where a Majlis-e-Aza was followed by a large mourning procession led by the President of the organization, Hujjat-ul-Islam wal-Muslimeen Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al-Safavi.

Tens of thousands of mourners participated in the procession with profound devotion, reverence, and solemnity, said a press release.

Prior to the procession, prayers were offered in congregation at the Imam Bara Labertal under the leadership of Hujjat-ul-Islam wal-Muslimeen Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al-Safavi. 

Following the prayers, participants paid heartfelt tribute to the martyrs of Karbala (AS) and renewed their pledge to uphold the timeless ideals and mission of Imam Hussain (AS).

Addressing the Majlis-e-Aza, Hujjat-ul-Islam Aga Syed Mujtaba Abbas Mosavi Al-Safavi stated that the monumental gathering of Arbaeen is not merely a historical commemoration but a divinely ordained religious symbol rooted in the Holy Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt (AS). He said that expressing grief for the friends of Allah and commemorating the unparalleled sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) constitute an integral part of Islamic teachings. 

Referring to Prophet Ya’qub’s (AS) profound grief over the separation from Prophet Yusuf (AS) and the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) tradition of offering condolences, he asserted that mourning and the expression of sorrow are firmly established by the Qur’an and the Prophetic tradition.

Aga Syed Mujtaba Abbas Mosavi Al-Safavi further said that Imam Hussain (AS), through the supreme sacrifice of himself, his family, and his loyal companions in Karbala, sought to liberate humanity from ignorance, oppression, and misguidance while safeguarding the true spirit and values of Islam. He observed that the presence of millions of devotees of the Ahlul Bayt (AS) from across the world in Karbala on the occasion of Arbaeen stands as a living testimony that the message of Imam Hussain (AS) remains vibrant and continues to serve as a universal beacon of justice, truth, freedom, steadfastness, and moral guidance. Citing traditions of the Ahlul Bayt (AS), he highlighted the immense spiritual significance and divine rewards associated with the visitation of Imam Hussain (AS), particularly the pilgrimage of Arbaeen.

Paying glowing tribute to Hazrat Zainab al-Kubra (SA) and Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (AS), he said that it was their unparalleled patience, resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment that preserved the true message of Karbala for all generations and transformed the triumph of truth over tyranny into an eternal chapter of human history. He urged the faithful to embody the spirit of Arbaeen in their daily lives by upholding justice, piety, sincerity, patience, service to humanity, and steadfast resistance against oppression.

Concluding his address, Aga Syed Mujtaba Abbas Mosavi Al-Safavi prayed for the unity of the Muslim Ummah, lasting peace and stability, and the early reappearance of Imam al-Mahdi (ATFS).The commemorative gathering concluded with special prayers for peace and stability in Jammu & Kashmir and the wider Muslim world, unity among Muslims, and the dignity, justice, and well-being of oppressed people across the globe.

Baramulla, Aug 3: National Conference (NC) Advisor to the Chief Minister and senior party leader Nasir Aslam Wani on Monday said the party would continue its campaign for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood until the Centre fulfils its commitment.

Addressing reporters in Baramulla, Wani said the National Conference’s recent protest at JantarMantar in New Delhi marked the beginning of a sustained democratic campaign to press the Union Government for the restoration of statehood.

“Our Jantar Mantar protest was meant to remind the Centre that the promise made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir has still not been fulfilled,” Wani said.

He recalled that following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the Centre had outlined a roadmap comprising the delimitation of Assembly constituencies, conduct of Assembly elections and restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.

“Two of those commitments—delimitation and Assembly elections—have been completed. The only remaining promise is the restoration of statehood, and that should now be honoured,” he said.

Describing the issue as one of democratic rights and public aspirations, Wani said the National Conference would continue to pursue the demand through peaceful and democratic means until statehood is restored.

“This is not a one-day exercise. Our efforts will continue until Jammu and Kashmir regains its statehood,” he asserted.

Wani said the protest in the national capital witnessed the participation of the party’s entire leadership, including National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah, legislators and other senior functionaries, reflecting the party’s collective commitment to the issue.

He said the party leadership would soon deliberate on the next phase of the campaign and decide its future course of action to keep the demand for statehood alive.

The National Conference had staged a demonstration in New Delhi on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, demanding the immediate restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.

Led by Dr Farooq Abdullah, party leaders and workers assembled outside the Jammu and Kashmir House carrying placards with slogans such as “Apna Wada Pura Karo”, “Restore Rights and Dignity of People of J&K” and “Restore Full Statehood”, urging the Centre to implement its stated commitment.

Ganderbal, Aug 3: The intense spell of rainfall on Monday caused surge in water level in streams in different areas of Kangan including Bonizal, Wussan, and Haripora.

Meanwhile, a landslide hit Srinagar-Leh National Highway near Sarbal area of Sonamarg on Monday afternoon which blocked the road and resulted in the disruption of traffic.

However, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Traffic Police, and other agencies pressed machinery into action and the restoration work was carried to ensure the traffic is restored.

Meanwhile, a residential house suffered extensive structural damage in the Ganderbal district after sudden high-velocity winds swept through parts of the area, blowing off its entire rooftop.

According to locals, the incident occurred in Bakura area of Ganderbal district during a spell of erratic weather accompanied by strong wind gusts.

The intense pressure ripped the tin roof completely off the concrete base, throwing debris on the road.

Family members inside the house at the time of the incident managed to evacuate to safety.

No casualties or injuries were reported, though household belongings and property in the upper floor sustained significant damage.

Shortly after the incident, local residents gathered at the site to assist the affected family in clearing the debris.

An electric pole was also damaged in the incident.

Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution as unpredictable weather conditions and high winds continue across vulnerable pockets of the region.