VoL Desk, July 27: After more than three decades of being prohibited, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Thursday allowed 8th Muharram procession to proceed through the centre of Srinagar. Thousands of Shia Muslims took part in the procession on the route that they demanded since decades to reopen for the procession.

“The permission is hereby granted…for taking out Muharram procession on 8th Muharram-1445 from Guru Bazar to Dalgate via Budshah Kadal and M.A Road, Srinagar, from 6 am to 8 am on 27th July, 2023,” the order issued by Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Ajaz Asad read on Wednesday.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday described the 8th day Muharram procession taken out from traditional Guru Bazar to Dalgate, after 34 years, a “historic occasion”.

* Click to Follow Voice of Ladakh on WhatsApp *

“I bow to the martyrs of Karbala and recall sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) & his ideals. Today is a historic occasion for Shia brethren in Kashmir valley as after 34 years 8th Muharram procession is taking place on the traditional route, from Guru Bazar to Dalgate”, readthe LG tweet.

“8th Muharram procession used to come out from Guru Bazar and culminate at Imambargah Dalgate before it was banned in 1989. Today the entire world is witnessing commitment & determination of the govt to ensure peaceful environment, freedom, love, compassion & harmony in society.

“It is an occasion to reaffirm our commitment to peace and dedicate ourselves to the progress & prosperity of J&K UT. Several historic decisions have seen the light of the day in a few years and a peaceful J&K has emerged on the horizon. Let’s further strengthen our bonds & unity.”

The Jammu Muslim Front (JMF) on Thursday expressed their gratitude to the Home Ministry for allowing the 8th Moharram procession in Kashmir after a gap of more than three decades.

As per the news agency CNS, the JMF in its statement said that they appreciate the Home Ministry’s decision to permit the 8th Moharam procession in Kashmir after a gap of 32 years.

“We extend our gratitude to the Home Minister, Lieutenant Governor, and the police administration for ensuring three-tier security during the event,” they said.

Furthermore, the JMF has appealed to the Prime Minister and Home Minister to appoint local officers in order to foster an environment of care, sharing, and tolerance, which they believe is the need of the hour.

They have also emphasized the importance of instructing the bureaucracy to show due respect to Muslim clergy, who consistently promote peace and love for the motherland.