Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday joined the Muharram procession of Shia mourners on Ashura in Srinagar, which was taken out through the traditional route in the interior city regions amid tight security. Officials present during the event said this will be the first time in over 35 years that a head of the state joined the Muharram procession. In a video posted on Twitter by news agency ANI, Sinha was seen joining the procession amid tight security and personnel all around him.
Speaking to ANI, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said, "Heavy security arrangements have been made and LG Manoj Sinha met with other officials as well as paid tribute.”
He also said that peace is brought by people, and the officials were there just to provide security. Kumar added that the people's role was important.
On Thursday, the administration allowed the Eighth day Muharram procession to pass through the traditional route from Gurubazaar to Dalgate for the first time in more than 34 years, reported news agency PTI.
The LG was seen dressed in a black Kurta and took part in the procession at Bota Kadal in the Zadibal area of Downtown. It is in the interior areas of the city and Sinha was escorted by a tight security cover. Senior officials from the police and civil administration accompanied the LG.
The LG also spoke to mourners during his outing and later distributed refreshments among them. Commenting further on Sinha’s security, ADGP Vijay Kumar said strict security arrangements were made ahead of the Ashura procession.
He was quoted as saying by PTI: "There are much better security arrangements than the other day, and we are providing three-tier security. LG had promised in the meeting (with the stakeholders) that he will visit and he came here and paid his tributes along with senior officials. This is a good signal.”
This day holds significance due to the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, who was the grandson of Prophet Mohammad, and his companions in Karbala in Iraq.