July 6, 2025

The Jammu and Kashmir Police lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against Shia mourners who were accused of aiming to disrupt public order during a Muharram procession. The police identified the accused individuals, and legal actions are ongoing. A Muharram procession by Shia Muslims was conducted from Lal Chowk in Srinagar under tight security. This was a significant event as such processions had been restricted in the region since the 1990s. Posters and banners depicting Iranian and Hezbollah commanders and pro-Palestine slogans have surfaced in Kashmir following the Iran-U.S. conflict. These actions led to the police lodging the FIR, stating that they aimed to provoke unrest, disturb public order, and disrupt communal harmony, posing a threat to national security. Aga Syed Ruhullah, a National Conference Member of Parliament, supported those displaying pro-Palestine banners, citing compliance with the country's official stance and the Constitution. During the month of Muharram, Shias worldwide commemorate the death of Prophet Muhammad's relatives during the battle of Karbala.

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Tags: Kashmir, Shiite, Muharram, Protest, Jammu and kashmir,