Only Kashmir Feature
This week, it was for the first time that on 27 July, the 8th Muharram procession was taken out in the Kashmir Valley on the traditional route, from Guru Bazar to Dalgate, Srinagar after 34 years.
The viewpoint on the ground and the verdict is clear that steadily the abrogation of Article 370 is bringing back religious freedom that was hijacked by dynastic parties.
The Abrogation of Article 370 took place on 5 August 2019 with an overwhelming majority of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha passing same. It has since then heralded a new era of prosperity and peace in Jammu and Kashmir. The fruits of it are visible on the ground. After a whopping gap of 34 years, the Muharram processions have taken place in Kashmir.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the entire administration of Jammu and Kashmir have led from the front in ensuring that peaceful Muharram processions take place.
Full cooperation was lent to take out historic Muharram processions in different parts of Kashmir both on the 8th and 10th Muharram.
In a historic development and gesture of respect, love, and solidarity, L-G Sinha joined the mourners at Bota Kadal area of Srinagar on Saturday morning eve of the 10th Muharram. He distributed refreshments among the mourners and also offered chadar while paying tributes to Hussain.
Pertinent to mention here that this is for the first time in 34 years any top dignitary has joined a mass gathering in the Old city of Srinagar. Reports have affirmed that it was Sinha’s decision to allow the historic procession in the old city after a long gap of 34 years which reflects changing Kashmir.
In recent days, historic events have unfolded in Jammu and Kashmir, the dynasty political parties used to ban Muharram processions and shower pellets and bullets on mourners. They had long created an atmosphere of fear for their chair.
The abrogation of Article 370 has brought blessings in the form of many positives and Muharram procession taking throughout the length and breadth of Kashmir after 3 decades stands out.
This has been a game-changing moment for the entire Jammu and Kashmir. The leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is being widely praised for ushering in an era of peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
He has through his constant will been a man of the moment and going out of the way to ensure that the Muharram procession is taken out in Kashmir once again and Shia mourners get each and every facility has been a leadership event that is rare but deserves all the wider appreciation.
All this semblance of returning colors to the multicultural society of Kashmir is viewed by many through the abrogation of Article 370.
Urdu Translation of this feature column can be read in daily Srinagar Jang’s 30 July 2023 Edition
