Governor Satya Pal Malik has agreed to the suggestion of providing an alternate route for Muharram procession which used to go through Abi Guzar areas in Srinagar before ’90s, the National Conference said on Saturday.
A National Conference spokesman said that an 11-member party delegation met Malik and put forth its concern about the ban on Muharram processions, particularly those that used to pass through Abi Guzar areas.
“The governor agreed to the suggestion of providing an alternate route for Muharram procession which used to go through Abi Guzar areas before ’90s. Later, he directed the concerned police and civil administration to arrange a meeting with me on Monday,” the National Conference leader Agha Ruhullah, who was part of the delegation, said in a statement.
The NC delegation led by its president Farooq Abdullah met Malik at the Raj Bhavan here and demanded adequate arrangements for the forthcoming Muharram. The delegation also included Tanvir Sadiq, political advisor to Omar Abdullah, party leader Aga Syed Mehmood and vice-provincial president Mushtaq Guroo.
Divisional commissioner Kashmir Baseer Khan and deputy commissioner Srinagar Syed Abid Rashid Shah were present in the meeting.
A government spokesman said that the NC delegation sought the governor’s intervention in revival of certain traditional routes for taking out Muharram procession and renovation of shrines of religious importance.
“Abdullah also discussed with the governor strengthening of sports infrastructure at grassroots, with emphasis on promoting sports and extra-curricular activities in schools. He urged the governor for constitution of a Golf Authority in the State which could be entrusted with the responsibility of maintenance of golf courses besides promotion of golf in the state,” the spokesman said.
The governor assured the delegation that befitting arrangements for the Muharram days will be done by the administration and assured uninterrupted electricity supply as well, the spokesman said.