Tazia processions mark Muharram in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 30 (UNI) Hundreds and thousands of Shia mourners took out processions in different parts of the Kashmir valley today on 'Ashura' (tenth Muharram) to mark the martrydom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, at Karbala in Iraq more than 13 centuries ago in 680.

Sunni Muslims also paid homage to Imam Hussein for his supreme sacrifice.

The main ashura procession was taken out at Badgam in central Kashmir followed by that in Srinagar.

As a mark of solidarity, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Yasin Malik joined thousands of Shia mourners in the 'tazia' procession from Lal Bazar to 'Imambara' at Zadibal.

In chants at Ashura processions, Shia Muslims were seen beating their chests while some even used knives and chains on their heads to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.

Health volunteers gave first aid to the wounded mourners.

Elaborate security arrangments were made across Kashmir for the day. Reports of Ashura processions were also received from various parts of the Valley.

UNI