Srinagar, Jun 24 : Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Wednesday said elaborate arrangements have been put in place for the smooth and peaceful observance of the 8th Muharram across the valley, with multiple government agencies working in tandem to ensure public safety and order.
Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) Garg said the administration has deployed district teams, health personnel and police along all procession routes, acting on directives from the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister.
“Peaceful observance of Muharram has been a part of our culture for centuries and has been revived in the last few years. I thank the people for their cooperation and appeal to them to respect the permissions granted by the district administration,” Garg said.
He said the Muharram session this year is longer, spanning around 45-50 days, and detailed programmes have been finalised in consultation with various committees and stakeholders across all 10 districts where processions are being taken out.
“Our teams are available till evening and will remain deployed throughout the month. Quick response teams are also working on all procession routes,” he added.
The Divisional Commissioner also touched upon the convergence of the Muharram observances with the ongoing tourist season and the upcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra. He called for collective responsibility among the administration, media, voluntary organisations and citizens to ensure smooth traffic management and extend a warm welcome to pilgrims and tourists.
“I understand that our tourist season is going on simultaneously with Muharram, and the Amarnath Yatra is also starting. It is the responsibility of all of us as a collective unit to cooperate and follow the systems,” Garg said.
He urged people to adhere to advisories issued by the administration and maintain the spirit of cooperation that has been a hallmark of such observances over the years.
On the Amarnath Yatra, Garg said arrangements have been augmented this year in anticipation of a higher number of devotees compared to last year, and all necessary facilities are in place barring the no-fly zone declared by the government for security reasons. (KNS)
