Srinagar, Jun 26 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday participated in Youm-e-Ashura commemorations at Zadibal, joining thousands of mourners who gathered to mark the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala.
The Chief Minister, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) distributed water and milk at a traditional sabeel set up along the procession route by the National Conference. He interacted with mourners and volunteers engaged in facilitating the religious observances.
He was accompanied by Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq during the visit, where he also briefly interacted with participants of the procession.
Large-scale Ashura gatherings were witnessed across Srinagar, particularly in Zadibal, one of the main centres of Muharram observance in the Valley.
During the visit, the Chief Minister also paid respects at the shrine of Mir Shams-ud-Din Araqi (RA) at Zadibal, where he offered Fatihah and prayed for peace, communal harmony, and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar described Youm-e-Ashura as a day of deep spiritual reflection and sacrifice, saying the message of Karbala continues to guide values of truth, justice, and resistance against oppression.
He also reiterated that the government remains committed to efforts aimed at restoring the traditional Ashura procession route in Srinagar, which has seen partial restrictions over the years.
He added that such religious occasions reflect the region’s shared heritage and must continue to be observed with dignity and peaceful participation—(KNO)