Administration grants permission for 8th Muharram procession

Srinagar, Jun 23: The District Administration Srinagar has granted permission for the traditional 8th Muharram procession scheduled to be held on Wednesday, allowing mourners to proceed along the historic route from Guru Bazar to Dalgate via BudshahKadal and MA Road. According to an official order issued by the District Magistrate Srinagar, permission has been accorded in favour of the YaadgariHussaini Committee, KallooManzilMohalla, Guru Bazar, following recommendations and a report submitted by the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Srinagar. As per the approved schedule, the procession will commence from Guru Bazar at 6:00 AM, cross Jehangir Chowk at 7:00 AM, and reach the vicinity of the J&K Bank Headquarters on M.A. Road around 8:30 am before proceeding towards Dalgate. The administration has laid down a series of conditions to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the religious procession. One side of M.A. Road will remain exclusively reserved for the procession, while the other side will be kept open to facilitate the movement of emergency and essential services. Organisers have been directed to adhere strictly to the approved route and timeline and ensure full cooperation with police, security agencies, and civil administration officials deployed along the route. The use of drones has been prohibited during the event, while the organisers have also been instructed to make adequate first-aid and medical arrangements in coordination with the concerned departments. The order further emphasises that no activity likely to disturb public order, communal harmony, or law and order shall be permitted during the procession. Authorities have warned that any violation of the stipulated conditions will invite legal action under the relevant provisions of law. The annual 8th Muharram procession, one of the most significant religious observances in Srinagar, attracts thousands of mourners and necessitates extensive security, traffic management, and emergency response arrangements across the city.   Traffic Advisory Issued Meanwhile, the Traffic Police City Srinagar has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory for June 24, with restrictions remaining in force from 5 am until the culmination of the procession. According to the advisory, traffic movement from Karan Nagar towards Jehangir Chowk via Shaheed Gunj and Tankipora will remain suspended between 5 am and 8 am. Additionally, the entire stretch from Jehangir Chowk along M.A. Road up to Dalgate-Badyari will remain closed to vehicular traffic throughout the duration of the procession. To minimise inconvenience, several diversion plans have been put in place. Traffic arriving from Batmaloo, Civil Secretariat, and Rambagh towards M.A. Road will be diverted via Hari Singh High Street and Residency Road. Similarly, vehicles coming from Rainawari and Nowpora will be diverted at Mamta Hotel Crossing towards SRTC Bridge, Barbarshah, Kralkhud, HabbaKadal, and Karan Nagar. Traffic originating from Khanyar and Ikhwan Chowk will also be diverted through SRTC Bridge, Barbarshah, Kralkhud, HabbaKadal, and Karan Nagar. Motorists travelling from Nishat, Shalimar, and adjoining areas have been advised to use Boulevard Road, Gupkar Road, Radio Kashmir Road, R.R. Road, and Abdullah Bridge. Traffic approaching from Pantha Chowk and Sonwar will be diverted at Radio Kashmir towards Residency Road and Abdullah Bridge. Tourists and local residents visiting areas around Nehru Park have been advised to use alternate routes through Gupkar Road or the Nishat-Fore Shore Road corridor. Traffic authorities have urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel on the Karan Nagar–MA Road–Dalgate corridor during the procession hours to prevent congestion and inconvenience. For assistance and traffic-related information, citizens can contact the Traffic Police Control Room on 103. Parking and Cut-Off Points to facilitate visitors and participants, designated parking facilities have been established at SP College Ground, Gindun Park, Batmaloo Bus Stand, and Zabarwan Park. Authorities have also identified key cut-off points beyond which vehicular movement will not be allowed during the procession. These include Jehangir Chowk, Mamta Crossing, Aziz Bridge, and Ikhwan Chowk. The administration has appealed to the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and traffic personnel to ensure the smooth, peaceful, and successful conduct of the religious event.