Srinagar, June 15 (IANS) J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for Muharram across the Union Territory. The CM directed all concerned departments to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the smooth and peaceful observance of the occasion.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, concerned MLAs, senior government officers and representatives of various Shia organisations, who shared suggestions and inputs regarding the arrangements required during the mourning period.

Emphasising the importance of ensuring convenience and safety for devotees, the Chief Minister instructed departments to make adequate preparations for uninterrupted power and water supply, healthcare facilities, sanitation, traffic regulation and other essential public services.

He stressed that all arrangements should be put in place well in advance to facilitate the observance of Muharram with dignity and without inconvenience to mourners participating in religious gatherings and processions.

Officials from various departments briefed the meeting on the measures being undertaken and the preparedness of their respective agencies.

Representatives of Shia organisations also highlighted issues requiring attention and suggested steps to improve facilities during the observance.

Omar directed authorities to maintain close coordination and ensure prompt response mechanisms for addressing public grievances and service-related issues during the period.

Muharram is observed across Jammu and Kashmir with large religious gatherings and processions, particularly in areas with sizeable Shia populations.

The administration traditionally undertakes extensive arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the observance. The meeting reviewed preparedness across sectors and underscored the government’s commitment to providing all necessary facilities to devotees during Muharram.

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, marking the beginning of the Islamic New Year. It is considered highly sacred and commemorates two major religious events: the Day of Ashura (the 10th of Muharram) and the beginning of the Hijrah.

Muharram begins on June 16 this year, marking the start of the Islamic year 1448 AH. The Day of Ashura will be observed on June 25.

Shia Muslims take out large mourning processions throughout the world during Muharram to mourn the martyrdom of Prophet’s grandson, Imam Hussain, at Karbala in Iraq at the hands of the army of the second Umayyad Caliph Yazid.

Imam Hussain had gone with his family on the invitation of the people of Kufa, and he was besieged through beguile and conspiracy by the forces of Yazid.

Imam Hussain wrote a golden chapter in Islamic history with his blood when he refused to surrender before evil and chose death over submission.

–IANS

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