Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, June 13, 2025 – Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa chaired a meeting to review arrangements for the upcoming holy month of Muharram-ul-Haram, directing officers to ensure comprehensive preparations for a hassle-free and peaceful observance. The meeting focused on key arrangements, including sanitation, ration supply, healthcare, drinking water, mobile toilets, and security, particularly in Shia-dominated areas of the district.
Key Arrangements for Muharram Observance
DC Minga Sherpa emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among departments to ensure a dignified and smooth observance of Muharram. The following table outlines the key areas of focus and the directives issued:
| Aspect | Directives Issued |
|---|---|
| Sanitation | Rural Development Department and Municipal authorities to conduct thorough sanitation drives at key religious locations, including Imambaras, shrines, and mosques. |
| Ration Supply | Ensure adequate and timely distribution of rations to meet community needs during Muharram. |
| Healthcare | Arrange medical facilities and emergency services, particularly in areas with large gatherings. |
| Drinking Water | Ensure uninterrupted supply of clean drinking water at religious sites and procession routes. |
| Mobile Toilets | Install mobile toilets at key locations to facilitate mourners during Muharram processions. |
| Security | Deploy adequate security personnel to maintain law and order and ensure safe conduct of processions. |
On-Ground Preparations
On June 12, 2025, DC Minga Sherpa, accompanied by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Pattan and other officers, visited Imambara Goom Ahmadpora to assess the preparedness of line departments. During the visit, the DC met with locals and the Intizamiya Committee, taking stock of their demands and assuring timely redressal to ensure a peaceful observance. These efforts were highlighted in multiple posts on X, underscoring the proactive approach of the district administration.
The meeting on June 13, 2025, further solidified these efforts, with the DC directing officers to prioritize the following:
- Sanitation Drives: Special focus on cleaning religious sites to maintain hygiene during the mourning period.
- Infrastructure Support: Repair of roads and installation of street lighting to facilitate safe movement during processions.
- Community Engagement: Addressing local demands to ensure the arrangements align with the needs of the Shia community.
Context and Importance of Muharram in Baramulla
Muharram-ul-Haram is a significant period for the Shia Muslim community, marked by mourning processions and religious gatherings to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. In Baramulla, a district with a notable Shia population, the administration’s proactive measures aim to ensure that these observances are conducted with dignity and without disruptions.
The DC’s directives align with similar efforts in other parts of Jammu and Kashmir, such as Ganderbal, where Deputy Commissioner Jatin Kishore recently reviewed Muharram arrangements, emphasising uninterrupted drinking water, power supply, and sanitation.
Security Arrangements
Given the sensitivity of large gatherings during Muharram, security remains a top priority. The DC instructed the deployment of adequate security personnel to maintain law and order, particularly along procession routes and at religious sites. This aligns with broader security reviews in Jammu and Kashmir, such as the high-level meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on April 23, 2025, following a terror attack in Pahalgam.
Community and Administrative Collaboration
The administration’s engagement with the Intizamiya Committee and local residents reflects a collaborative approach to ensure that arrangements meet community expectations. The visit to Imambara Goom Ahmadpora and the subsequent meeting demonstrate the district administration’s commitment to addressing local concerns promptly.
Conclusion
Under the leadership of DC Minga Sherpa, Baramulla’s administration is taking proactive steps to ensure a seamless and respectful observance of Muharram-ul-Haram. By focusing on critical areas such as sanitation, ration supply, healthcare, drinking water, mobile toilets, and security, the district is well-prepared to facilitate the religious observances. The collaborative efforts with local communities and the timely directives issued during the meeting underscore Baramulla’s commitment to a peaceful and dignified Muharram.
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