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Shiites march in thousands in Kashmir valley
Srinagar, Nov 17: After a gap of over a decade, thousands of Shiites in Kashmir valley today took out processions to mark the martyrdom of the fourth caliph of Islam and Prophet Mohammad`s son-in-law Hazrat Ali.
Srinagar, Nov 17: After a gap of over a decade, thousands of Shiites in Kashmir valley today took out processions to mark the martyrdom of the fourth caliph of Islam and Prophet Mohammad's son-in-law Hazrat Ali.
The processions culminated peacefully at Imam Baras with Central Kashmir Budgam town, the strong-hold of Anjuman-e-Shari-e-Shian, witnessing the largest congregation, official sources said.
Over 35,000 Shia mourners led by Anjuman president and member of Hurriyat's Geelani faction, Aga Syed Hassan al-Safvi al-Mousvi, marched from Budgam district headquarters beating their chests and reciting verses from holy Quran in memory of Hazrat Ali, the sources said.
National Conference leader and former minister Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari also led over 15,000 mourners at Zadibal in downtown city, the sources said.
Hurriyat Conference chairman Moulvi Mohammad Abbas Ansari was seen along with his supporters at Mirgund village of Pattan in Baramulla district, leading nearly 15,000 mourners.
Reports from Kargil in frontier region of Ladakh said over 60,000 Shia Muslims marched on the streets barefeet carrying a symbolic coffin.
Organised by Imamia School and Imam Khumaini relief trust, the march ended peacefully at the local Imam Bara, the sources said.
The Shiites took out processions after a gap of over a decade as such gathering had been banned after eruption of militancy in 1989.
Since Mufti Mohammad Sayeed assumed power last year, the government has lifted ban on Muharram and Milad processions in the state.
Bureau Report
Over 35,000 Shia mourners led by Anjuman president and member of Hurriyat's Geelani faction, Aga Syed Hassan al-Safvi al-Mousvi, marched from Budgam district headquarters beating their chests and reciting verses from holy Quran in memory of Hazrat Ali, the sources said.
National Conference leader and former minister Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari also led over 15,000 mourners at Zadibal in downtown city, the sources said.
Hurriyat Conference chairman Moulvi Mohammad Abbas Ansari was seen along with his supporters at Mirgund village of Pattan in Baramulla district, leading nearly 15,000 mourners.
Reports from Kargil in frontier region of Ladakh said over 60,000 Shia Muslims marched on the streets barefeet carrying a symbolic coffin.
Organised by Imamia School and Imam Khumaini relief trust, the march ended peacefully at the local Imam Bara, the sources said.
The Shiites took out processions after a gap of over a decade as such gathering had been banned after eruption of militancy in 1989.
Since Mufti Mohammad Sayeed assumed power last year, the government has lifted ban on Muharram and Milad processions in the state.
Bureau Report