Srinagar, June 24: Senior Shia cleric, Masroor Abbas Ansari, on Wednesday expressed hope that the administration would permit the traditional Ashura procession on its historic route, saying the government had already demonstrated courage by allowing the 8th Muharram procession after a gap of more than three decades.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar, Ansari said successive governments had failed to take such a decision for 35 years.
“We expect the present administration to take the next bold step. Previous governments could not do what this administration has done. We believe it has the courage and resolve to permit the traditional Ashura procession as well,” he said.
Ansari said the community wants the 10th Muharram procession to follow its historic route and culminate at Zadibal, as was the practice before restrictions were imposed decades ago.
He said permission for the Ashura procession would allow mourners to exercise their constitutional rights while ensuring that the event remains peaceful and disciplined.
“We want to use the freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution to take out a peaceful procession in a disciplined manner,” he said.
The cleric also thanked the Lieutenant Governor-led administration for allowing the traditional 8th Muharram procession to resume on its historic route after remaining banned for 35 years.
“The administration and the Lieutenant Governor deserve appreciation for restoring this procession. We are grateful that devotees have once again been allowed to observe it peacefully,” Ansari said.
The traditional 8th Muharram procession, which passes through key areas of Srinagar city, was revived in 2023 after a ban of more than three decades. Since then, thousands of mourners have participated annually, with elaborate security and administrative arrangements put in place for its smooth conduct.
The demand for the restoration of the traditional Ashura procession route has remained a long-standing issue for the Shia community, which has repeatedly sought permission for the 10th Muharram procession to follow its pre-ban route through the city.
