Budgam, Jun 26 (KNO): Thousands of mourners on Friday participated in the Ashura (10th Muharram) procession from Mirgund to Budgam, commemorating the supreme sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and the martyrs of Karbala amid an atmosphere of devotion, discipline and peace.
The day, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), began with the Subh-e-Ashura programme at Jamia Babul Ilm, Mirgund, where Majlis-e-Aza, Matam and other religious observances were held before the procession commenced. Mourners from different parts of the district joined the procession, which concluded peacefully under elaborate administrative and security arrangements.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam Athar Aamir Khan and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Budgam Hariprasad KK joined the mourners during the procession and inspected the procession routes, congregation points and public service facilities to ensure smooth conduct of the event.
The officers were accompanied by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Additional Superintendent of Police, Chief Planning Officer, Chief Medical Officer, Sub-Divisional Police Officers, Tehsildars, Station House Officers and other district officials.
During their visit, the DC and SSP interacted with mourners and volunteers, reviewed the arrangements on the ground and appreciated the cooperation extended by the public in maintaining peace and order throughout the observances. They served drinking water and refreshments to mourners at various locations along the procession route.
Elaborate arrangements had been made by the district administration in coordination with various departments. Medical and paramedical teams, Public Health Engineering (PHE), Traffic Police, Municipal authorities and other line departments remained on duty to provide essential services and ensure the smooth movement of the procession.
Speaking to the media, DC Khan said the Ashura observances were progressing peacefully across the district.
"Everything is proceeding peacefully. All necessary administrative and security arrangements have been put in place. Since a significant number of large processions, around 196 in total, take place across various locations in Budgam, all required arrangements have been made in consultation and coordination with the local community and stakeholders. Personnel from various departments are also on the ground, striving to ensure everything goes smoothly and peacefully," he said.
SSP Budgam Hariprasad KK said preparations for Ashura had begun nearly two months in advance through coordinated planning with all stakeholder departments.
"We began preparations for the arrangements, including holding coordination meetings with all relevant stakeholder departments at the district and local levels, about two months ago. Every department has completed its assigned tasks, particularly regarding security," the SSP said. "We have implemented a multi-tier security arrangement here. Numerous Quick Response Teams and '112' emergency response vehicles are patrolling the area to ensure the safety and security of the mourners."—(KNO)