Srinagar, Jul 04 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir Administration, Health Department, Police and volunteer groups joined hands on Friday to facilitate the 8th Muharram, procession in Srinagar.
Permitted for the third consecutive year, the procession commenced at 5 AM from Guru Bazar, passed through Budshah Kadal and MA Road and later concluded at Dalgate Srinagar, with one of the city’s busiest routes as under sweltering conditions.
As per details gathered by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), ambulances along the route functioned as temporary shelters and mobile clinics. Emergency tents, ambulances and hydration points were strategically placed, offering immediate medical attention, drinking water and oral rehydration salts (ORS) to mourners.
Water sprinkler systems were also deployed at several locations to help cool down participants amid rising temperatures.
“We have been stationed here since early morning, equipped with first-aid kits, ORS, and water,” said Gulzar Ahmad, a health worker posted in an ambulance opposite Women’s College, Srinagar. “This isn’t just duty but it is our way of serving humanity during these sacred days,” he said.
Similarly, traffic police enforced diversions and ensured crowd-control along the route to facilitate a peaceful procession. Officials said these arrangements were crucial to avoid any medical or logistical mishaps.
Mourners also expressed appreciation for the presence of health workers and the administration’s on-ground efforts. “We are thankful to the authorities and health teams who stood by us throughout. Seeing doctors and nurses with water bottles and medical aid made us feel respected and looked after,” said Ali Mehdi, a mourner from Zadibal.
It is worth mentioning that the 8th Muharram marks one of the most significant mourning days leading up to Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in Karbala—(KNO)