Srinagar: The All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association, led by Molvi Imran Reza Ansari, has announced its decision to refrain from all government meetings related to the upcoming holy month of Muharram.
In a statement, the association said: "With six days left for Muharram to start, the Lieutenant Governor wakes up and holds a high-level meeting to facilitate. It seems he has a magic trick to make arrangements. Janab LG Sb, please take care of SANJY; we can manage Muharram 2024 ourselves," posted Imran, a former minister on X.
Earlier, Abid Ansari, General Secretary of the All J&K Shia Association, reaffirmed the association’s decision to abstain from participating in any Muharram/Safar meetings with the administration. Addressing a press conference at Darul Jawad (Qamarwari), Ansari said,
"This decision comes after repeated requests and submissions to various government departments have been consistently ignored for decades, citing excuses such as lack of funds, staff, and resources."
The association cited inadequate medical support from the Health Services Department, insufficient medicines (especially for children), and a lack of staff for first aid services.
"There is insufficient ration supply from CAPD, particularly rice and sugar, for Nazar O Niyaz during Muharram and Safar. Neglected road maintenance and repair by SMC & R&B have led to injuries and difficulties for mourners. Inadequate security and traffic management by the Police Department, along with restrictions on peaceful processions on the 10th of Muharram and the 28th of Safar, have further compounded the issues. Frequent power outages during Majlis by PDD and inadequate support from LAWDA, PHE, and Fire Service departments are also significant concerns."
Despite repeated pleas, our calls for a Nodal Officer in each district to address Muharram and Safar grievances have been ignored, the association added.
