Kashmir govt lifts ban on Muharram processions

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Kashmir Minister of State for Science Technology and Information Technology Feroze Ahmad Khan chaired a joint meeting of officers and representatives from All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Federation, Anjuman-e-Shariee-Shiyaan and All Ladakh Muslim Students Association convened to review the arrangements put in place for taking-out smooth and peaceful processions in Jammu on the eve of Muharram that starts yesterday.The meeting was informed that to mark the 6th day of Muharram falling on November 11, 2013, a procession will be taken out from Janipur which will pass through New Plot, Ambphalla, Ustaad Mohallah, Dauntalli Bazar, Peer Mitha and conclude at Karbala Complex.It was also given out in the meeting that the main Ashoora procession will be taken-out on November 15, 2013 which will start from Peer Mitha in the afternoon and after passing through Lakhdatta Bazar, Rajinder Market, Shaheedi Chowk will conclude at Karbala Complex.President, All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Federation, Jammu Province Aushiq Hussain Khan informed that Muharram processions will also be carried out in Chanderkote, Ramban and Poonch of Jammu Division.The meeting was informed that besides the Muharram processions, daily Majlis and other religious prayers will also be held at Kargil Colony, Gulmarg Colony, Bathandi and New Plots in the Jammu district.It was informed in the meeting that on the eve of Ashura day, the volunteers of All Ladakh Muslim Students Association will organise a blood donation camp near Karbala Complex where a large number of youngsters especially the students are expected to donate blood.The meeting was informed that elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of Muharram procession. Additional security personnel will also be deployed on duty along the procession route and in and around the Husasainiyah and other religious places.The Minister instructed the authorities of Jammu Municipal Corporation to illuminate the routes identified by the representatives so that the procession can be carried out easily, besides ensuring sanitation. He also instructed to provide un-interrupted power and water supply to Karbala Complex and adjoining areas during the Muharram days.Feroze instructed the authorities of R&B department to ensure maintenance of roads, lanes and drain in the Shia population areas. He also directed the MD, JK SRTC to make adequate arrangements of transportation from Kargil Colony, Boys Hostel Chhani Rama to Karbala House for the convince of the people intending to take part in religious sermons.The Minister instructed the Director, CA&PD, Jammu to ensure adequate storage and distribution of LPG Cylinders, besides other essentials on subsidized rates to the Shia populated areas during Muharram. He also instructed the authorities of Health Department to keep available the ambulances along with required medical aids and oxygen cylinders to accompany the processions.The Minister desired to check the menace of continuous thefts in Kargil Colony, Makka Masjid and adjoining areas where some cases have been noticed during last some days.Shia Federation expresses gratitude to govtShia Federation Subha Jammu has thanked the state government and Jammu divisional administration for giving assurance to the Shia community for making fool proof arrangements for observance of Muharram at various places in Jammu Division.In a joint press statement issued here today Ashiq Hussain Khan, president Shia Federation, Sheikh Sajad vice president, Dr. Iftakhar Khan Gen. Secy., Bashmir Mir vice president, Azgar Mir, Abdal Aliand zaki Addal have conveyed thanks to Minister of State for Education Firoz Ahmed Khan, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Sadiq Tanveer, DDC Jammu, SSP Jammu and other heads of various departments, who in a meeting convened by the MOS and where representatives of Shia Anjumans of various areas were also present, had assured of making all arrangements for smooth conduct of Muharram all over Jammu province.Shia Federation, which was represented by its President Ashiq Khan and spokesman Fida Hussan Rizavi and Presidents of Anjumans Hussani Bathindi, Janipura and other areas inhabited by Shia community, had demanded fool proof security arrangements, medical aid, uninterrupted power supply, drinking water arrangements, sanitation and other civic amenities during the entire period of Muharram and particularly for Tazia processions. The administration and the heads of all the departments assured of making all the necessary arrangements.Ashiq Hussain Khan has also stated that similar meetings were held at Poonch, Swarnkote, Mendhar, Chanderkote Gorsai and some other places, in which besides representatives of the respective members of Shia community, representative of administration of concerned departments participated, chalked out details about the arrangements to be made during Muharram and mainly for Tazias.Shia Federation Subha Jammu has also thanked the members of all other religious communities in Jammu region for extending their fullest coop rations and hospitality in the conduct of Muharram. This gesture by the members of other communities is symbolic of traditional communal brotherhood, good will and tolerance in Jammu province and the state as a whole.Shia Federation Subha Jammu has, however demanded that on the pattern of Government funding Shia religious and other religious communities institutions in Kashmir valley; it should also provide funds for the Shia institutions in Jammu province/129