Thousands participate in peaceful commemoration of Imam Hussain’s (A.S.) Arbaeen

KARGIL: Jamiat-ul-Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil-Ladakh (JUIAKL) today organised the annual Markazi Juloos-e-Aza (Arbaeen-e-Hussaini 1448 A.H.) in Kargil with profound religious devotion, discipline and peaceful participation, commemorating the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S.), Hazrat Abbas (A.S.) and the martyrs of Karbala.

The day’s programme commenced in the morning at the Hawza e Elmiyah Isna Asharia Campus, Kargil, where eminent Zakireen from Kashmir, who had specially travelled to Kargil for the occasion, recited soul-stirring marsiya and delivered sermons highlighting the unparalleled sacrifices of Imam Hussain (A.S.), his faithful companions and the everlasting message of Karbala. The religious proceedings continued until mourning processions from various parts of Kargil converged at the campus.

Thousands of mourners, including men and youth from Kargil town and adjoining villages, participated in the Arbaeen procession. A large number of Azadaars from Kashmir and the Kulan region also joined the observance, reflecting the spirit of unity, brotherhood and devotion that characterises Arbaeen.

For the first time, the procession followed a revised route introduced on a trial basis to facilitate smoother movement and ease congestion. The procession from Goma and Hardass passed through Lal Chowk, Circular Road and Fatima Chowk, where it merged with the procession from Baroo. The unified procession then proceeded through the Isna Asharia Campus, Khomeini Chowk and Lal Chowk before culminating at Inqilab Manzil (Qatil Gah-e-Hussaini).

The procession was led by the President of Jamiat-ul-Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil-Ladakh, Hujjat-ul-Islam wal-Muslimeen Haj Sheikh Nazir Mehdi Mohammadi, and was conducted peacefully in strict adherence to the guidelines and advisories issued by the District Administration. Hundreds of volunteers from the various wings of JUIAKL remained deployed throughout the route to ensure effective crowd management, guide participants and coordinate closely with the District Administration, Police, Traffic Police, Health Department and other concerned agencies.

Addressing the main Arbaeen congregation at Inqilab Manzil, Hujjat-ul-Islam wal-Muslimeen Haj Sheikh Nazir Mehdi Mohammadi elaborated on the religious, spiritual and historical significance of Arbaeen. He said that the remembrance of Imam Hussain (A.S.) is an eternal message of faith, sacrifice, justice, truth, human dignity and resistance against oppression. He urged the faithful to embody the universal values of Karbala in their personal, social and collective lives.

Sheikh Nazir Mehdi Mohammadi also extended a warm welcome to the visiting Azadaars from Kashmir and Kulan and informed the gathering that JUIAKL had made comprehensive arrangements for their accommodation, meals and other essential facilities at the Isna Asharia Campus to facilitate their participation in the Arbaeen observance.

Appreciating the cooperation extended by the District Administration, he congratulated the Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar along with all the concerned departments, for the successful implementation of the revised procession route. He noted that the new route, introduced following detailed consultations with the District Administration, significantly improved the smooth conduct of the procession while ensuring the safety and convenience of the mourners.

Speaking on the occasion, the General Secretary of JUIAKL and Central Imam Jumma Kargil, Hujjat-ul-Islam wal-Muslimeen Sheikh Ibrahim Khalili, expressed gratitude to the District Administration, Ladakh Police, Traffic Police, Health Department, Municipal Committee Kargil, PHE Department, Fire & Emergency Services, volunteers, Taxi, and Van Eco Union, Sabeel organisers, media fraternity and all the affiliated wings of JUIAKL for their dedicated and coordinated efforts in ensuring the peaceful, disciplined and successful conduct of the Arbaeen procession.

Jamiat-ul-Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil-Ladakh also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the people of Kargil for their exemplary cooperation, discipline and commitment throughout the observance. The organisation expressed hope that the timeless values of sacrifice, justice, unity, compassion and service to humanity, as exemplified by Imam Hussain (A.S.), would continue to inspire society and strengthen communal harmony, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

The Arbaeen programme concluded with collective prayers for lasting peace, unity, prosperity of the nation and the well-being of all humanity.