Shia Leaders Seek Removal Of Ashoora Procession Ban After Muharram March In Kashmir

Shia Muslim leaders in Kashmir have renewed their demand for the restoration of the traditional 10th Muharram (Ashoora) procession route in Srinagar, following the peaceful conduct of the 8th Muharram procession on Wednesday, which was permitted by authorities and witnessed large participation across the city. Thousands of mourners, including men, women and children, took part in the 8th Muharram procession that followed its traditional route from Guru Bazar in downtown Srinagar to Dalgate via Budshah Kadal and M A Road.

Participants dressed in black marched in solemn observance, chanting religious slogans and paying tribute to Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and the martyrs of Karbala. The procession concluded peacefully under tight security arrangements. The permission for the 8th Muharram procession was seen as part of a gradual easing of restrictions in the Valley. However, the traditional 10th Muharram procession, widely regarded as the main Ashoora march, continues to remain prohibited on its historic route from Abi Guzar in Lal Chowk to Zadibal in downtown Srinagar.

Authorities had imposed restrictions on both major Muharram processions after the outbreak of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir in 1990. In the absence of permission for the official route, Shia Muslims have continued to observe Ashoora rituals through smaller processions and gatherings in inner parts of Srinagar. Community members say these alternative arrangements allow them to maintain religious observance, but they continue to press for the reinstatement of the full traditional route for the main procession.

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Following Wednesday’s event, Shia leaders reiterated their appeal to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to allow the 10th Muharram procession this year. Prominent Shia leader Aga Syed Mujtaba said the community has repeatedly sought permission for the historic route and argued that the current security situation is stable enough to permit its peaceful conduct. He noted that applications for permission have already been submitted and expressed hope for a positive response from the administration.

According to him, allowing the traditional Ashoora procession would reflect greater trust in the prevailing peace situation and restore an important religious practice that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Shia community in Kashmir. Authorities have not yet issued a formal decision on the request, while security agencies continue to review the situation ahead of the upcoming 10th Muharram observance. The demand has once again brought attention to the long-standing restrictions on religious processions in the region and the ongoing dialogue between community leaders and the administration over their gradual restoration.

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