Milad-un-Nabi procession in Kashmir after many years

Srinagar, Apr 11 (UNI) For the first time in past several years, the Jammu and Kashmir government today granted permission to the people to take out a procession on Eid-ul-Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad.

However, senior separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah was put under house arrest by the authorities to prevent him from proceeding to Hazratbal in the procession.

The state administration had imposed a strict ban on the Milad procession in the summer capital following the outbreak of militancy in 1989.

The procession started at 0930 hrs from Madina Chowk in Gow Kadal area and passed through Habba Kadal, Fateh Kadal, Khan-i-Kahi Maula, Bohri Kadal, Nowhatta, Rangar Stop to culminate at the shrine of Hazrat Khwaja Bahaudddin Naqshbandi at Khanyar here.

The procession, led by Islamic Students League Chairman Shakeel Ahmed Bakshi, was peaceful with people shouting pro-Islamic slogans.

The Eid-ul-Milad-un-Nabi was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety in entire Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad along with his cabinet and party colleagues besides tens and thousands of people offered prayers at the historic Hazratbal Shrine, housing the holy relic of the Prophet Mohammad.

Devotees had the glimpse of the holy relic after every prayer.

Night-long prayers were held at different mosques in the entire Kashmir valley.

People were seen exchanging greetings after the prayers. Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (retd) S K Sinha and the Chief Minister extended their greetings to the people on the occasion.

The state government had made elaborate arrangements for the day.

UNI AG SC PM1726