Amid elaborate security arrangements, thousands of Shia mourners on Wednesday participated in the traditional 8th Muharram procession along the historic Guru Bazar-Dalgate route in Srinagar, marking the fourth consecutive year that the procession has been permitted by the Jammu and Kashmir administration.

The procession commenced early in the morning from Guru Bazar and proceeded through Jahangir Chowk and Maulana Azad Road towards Dalgate. Devotees carrying religious banners and flags marched in large numbers, reciting marsiyas and nohas in remembrance of Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the martyrs of Karbala.

Dressed predominantly in black attire, mourners paid tribute to the supreme sacrifice of Imam Hussain and his companions, reaffirming the message of truth, justice, and resistance against oppression associated with the tragedy of Karbala.

Authorities had put in place a comprehensive security plan to ensure the peaceful conduct of the procession. Personnel from Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and Traffic Police were deployed across the route. Surveillance drones monitored the procession while traffic movement on key roads was temporarily suspended to facilitate the smooth passage of mourners.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Sundeep Chakravarthy, said extensive arrangements had been made from the starting point to the culmination of the procession.

“Our only aim is to ensure that the procession is conducted peacefully and in a dignified manner. For that, we require the cooperation and support of the public with the police and civil administration,” he said.

Officials from the civil administration, police departments, and volunteers were seen providing drinking water, medical assistance, and other essential services to participants at various points along the route.

The traditional Guru Bazar-Dalgate procession remained suspended for more than three decades following the outbreak of militancy in the early 1990s. Its restoration in 2023 was widely welcomed by the Shia community and has since continued under enhanced security arrangements.

Meanwhile, the administration has also announced elaborate arrangements for the 10th Muharram procession, one of the most significant religious observances in the Islamic calendar, scheduled later this week.

The procession continued peacefully till the filing of this report, reflecting both the religious significance of Muharram and the administration’s efforts to facilitate the observance while maintaining public order and security.

 Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh has said that the abrogation of Article 370 has brought about a significant transformation in the mindset of people in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly among the youth, leading to an unprecedented rise in aspirations and achievements.

In an interaction, Dr. Singh said that young people from even the smallest towns and remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir are now excelling in academics and competitive examinations, reflecting a new sense of confidence and opportunity.

“One of the most significant changes is in the mindset of the people. Today, children from small towns are topping examinations and performing exceptionally well in competitive tests. An aspirational surge has taken place among the youth,” he said.

The Minister observed that the removal of Article 370 strengthened the feeling of belongingness among the people of Jammu and Kashmir by integrating them fully with the rest of the country.

“Earlier, many people felt isolated and different. Today, they see themselves as equal citizens with equal opportunities and equal rights. This psychological transformation has played a crucial role in shaping the aspirations of the younger generation,” he remarked.

Highlighting social reforms that followed the constitutional changes of August 2019, Dr. Singh noted that several categories of citizens who were previously deprived of certain rights have now been brought into the mainstream.

The Union Minister said the changes have created an environment where talent and hard work are emerging as the key drivers of success, encouraging young people to pursue higher education, professional careers, entrepreneurship and public service.

PM Modi Capable of Resolving PoJK Issue: Jitendra Singh

Speaking on the issue of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), Dr. Singh reiterated the Government of India’s long-standing position that the region is an integral part of the country.

He referred to the unanimous Parliamentary Resolution adopted in 1994, which declared the entire territories of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh as integral parts of India. He noted that the Bharatiya Janata Party had strongly supported the resolution.

“There is no issue between India and Pakistan except the issue of PoJK and its eventual reintegration with the Indian Republic,” he said.

Dr. Singh further asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi possesses the leadership, conviction and determination required to address the outstanding issue of PoJK.

“If anyone has the courage, capacity and commitment to resolve the issue of PoJK, it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he stated.

The Minister also alleged that the people living in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir have long faced discrimination and have been treated as second-class citizens by the Pakistani establishment.

A New Era of Confidence

Dr. Singh emphasized that the developments witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir over the past few years reflect a broader transformation in governance, opportunities and public participation. He said the emergence of young achievers from remote areas, coupled with growing educational and professional aspirations, demonstrates the positive impact of greater integration and expanded opportunities in the Union Territory.

According to the Minister, Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a new era marked by confidence, ambition and increasing participation of its youth in nation-building and competitive fields across the country.