22 July, Srinagar: Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen, chairman of the Peoples Democratic Front and a former minister, has asked the government to lift the ban on the annual Muharram processions that has been in effect in Srinagar’s major city since the early 1990s.
He stated in a statement, “Since there has been a discernible improvement in the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the government should now allow traditional Muharram processions in Srinagar.”
He argued that it would be a show of goodwill to let the 8th Muharam march from Shaheed Ganj to Dalgate in Srinagar, to be followed by the Ashurah procession.
He urged the government to consult with religious leaders, especially Shia ones, and law enforcement to ensure that the 8th Muharram and Ashoora processions could be held peacefully and with appropriate religious ardour.
