The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Molvi Imran Raza Ansari, President of the All JK Shia Association, has taken decisive action against recent derogatory remarks targeting the Shia community, filing an official complaint with the Station House Officer of Zadibal.

In the complaint, Mr Ansari addresses the dissemination of hateful rhetoric that has caused distress within the Shia community and has the potential to ignite tensions in society. He specifically cites a live video uploaded on Facebook by a user named Mudasir Aziz, wherein derogatory comments were made referring to the Shia community as "Rafizi."

Such language not only infringes upon the fundamental rights of individuals to practice their beliefs in peace but also perpetuates the marginalization and victimization of the Shia community, Mr Ansari asserts.

In his letter to the Station House Officer of Zadibal, Mr Ansari urges prompt and resolute action against those responsible for propagating hate speech. He underscores the importance of holding journalists and individuals accountable for their words and actions, particularly when they contribute to the marginalization of any community.

Mr Ansari calls for a thorough investigation into the incident and requests that appropriate legal measures be taken against the perpetrators. He also implores authorities to provide reassurance to the affected community and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In stressing the significance of upholding principles of tolerance, respect, and inclusivity, Mr Ansari expresses his confidence in law enforcement's commitment to ensuring justice and safeguarding the rights of all citizens.

PULWAMA — In Gangoo area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district, the Shia Muslim community observed the sacred occasion of Ashura on Saturday, July 29, 2023, with heartfelt mourning and solemn rituals.

This day holds immense significance for Muslims around the world, as it marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who sacrificed his life for social justice during the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

On Ashura, the Shia Muslims gathered in mosques to pray and express their grief, paying homage to Imam Hussein's legacy. Many followers dressed in black as a symbol of mourning and took to the streets, participating in the poignant ritual of self-flagellation while chanting "Ya Ali" and "Ya Hussain" to signify their pain and loss.

In Gangoo area, the commemoration of Ashura took on a compassionate and communal dimension. Government departments, volunteers, and self-help groups came together to extend their support and ensure the smooth observance of the day. They pitched tents along the path of the procession, providing drinking water and beverages to the mourners and taking care that roads remained unblocked.

Preparedness for any medical emergencies was also evident, with several ambulances stationed on standby. Free medical check-up camps were set up along the way, exemplifying the spirit of empathy and care within the community.

Muharram, the holy month of mourning, commenced on July 19th, 2023. As the first month of the Islamic or Hijri calendar, Muharram holds special religious significance and is considered the "sacred month of Allah." During this period, prayers, storytelling, weeping, and chest-beating are carried out in remembrance of the sacrifices made during Ashura.

It is worth noting that while Shia Muslims observe Ashura with self-flagellation, Sunni Muslims, on the other hand, participate in fasting. They mark Ashura as the victory of Moses over the Egyptian Pharaoh, thereby showing solidarity with the grief of Imam Hussein's loss.

The observance of Ashura in Gangoo serves as a poignant reminder of the unity that transcends religious beliefs in times of grief and remembrance. The collective support provided by the community, government, and volunteers highlights the essence of compassion and understanding, fostering a sense of togetherness in the face of adversity.

SRINAGAR — Amid the historic 8th Muharram procession taken out in Srinagar, locals as well as religious leaders carried along the copies of Quran with them to express their love and send out a message against the burning of the holy book in Sweden.

Younis Bashir, a Shia mourner who came to participate in the historical Muharram procession, told the news agency KNO that he condemned the unholy act, saying the Quran teaches tolerance and brotherhood.

“We have to have respect for every religious book, be it ‘Taurat, Injeel, Zuboor or Quran’, but in the case of Sweden, I fail to understand what they are doing,” he said.

A religious leader, Aga Syed Abid Hussain, said the burning of the Quran is condemnable, and Muslims should raise their voices against the act. “We should come to the forefront to show our love and support for the Quran,” he added.

Similarly, many mourners said they were carrying Quran along with them in the historical rally to send out a message and condemn the burning of the Quran.

In January 2023, the Danish-Swedish far-right politician burned a copy of the Quran outside the Turkish embassy.

SRINAGAR — For the first time after three decades, thousands of Shia mourners hit the traditional routes of Srinagar to take out 8th Muharram procession.

Amid praises for Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), thumping their chests and recitation of praises for Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the historic procession started from Guru Bazar area of the city that passed through Budshah Chowk to M. A. Road and then Dalgate, peacefully.

It was after more than three decades that the LG Manoj Sinha-led administration decided to allow the Shia mourners to take out 8th Muharram procession through traditional routes. The administration had fixed 6 am to 8 am as the time for the mourners to pass through the traditional routes. Shia leaders and clerics have welcomed the move and hailed the administration for this historic decision.

As per the news agency KNO, thousands of mourners from different parts of Kashmir while walking peacefully through the streets of Srinagar were seen beating chests, holding tall flags (Alams) of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and chanting praises and Nouhas in favour of grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

“We are grateful to the LG administration for allowing us to take out a procession after such a long gap. This is indeed a pleasure and a great moment for us,” said a mourner, Altaf Hussain. He said Muharram gives a reminder to every Muslim to follow the footsteps of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and to follow in his footsteps.

Itehadul Muslimeen leader Masroor Abbas Ansari said that the UT government’s decision to allow the 8th Muharram procession is a historic decision. “The mourners followed proper discipline and the procession passed off in a very peaceful manner. Earlier, mourners were cane charged and even put behind bars as well. Peaceful conduct of today’s procession indicates that disallowing the same procession in the past many years was based on lame excuses,” he said.

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) said a security review meeting was held in Srinagar yesterday in which it was decided to allow the 8th Muharram procession through traditional routes. “Officers and men were deployed on roads at 2 am to ensure peaceful conduct of the procession. And so far, the procession is going on peacefully,” he said. "We had put a three-tier security system in place."

Present on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Muhammad Aijaz Asad said that it was after over three decades that the Muharram procession was allowed. “I would say this is one of the peace dividends,” he said, adding that mourners have cooperated and so has the administration.

SMC Mayor Junaid Azim Matoo said that it’s a display of faith after a long time on the streets of Srinagar and he thanked the LG administration for the historic decision. “Mourners are walking peacefully and I hope restrictions will be lifted on Muharram 10th, also known as Ashura,” he said.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bhiduri said he was happy to see the great enthusiasm among the mourners. “Everything happened peacefully. Mourners cooperated with us on all fronts and reciprocated the same. As far as the arrangements, we did whatever was possible within the shortest possible time,” he said.