Srinagar, Aug 02: The administration on Monday modified the earlier directions issued regarding the Muharram processions / gatherings stating that appropriate decisions for suitable action will be taken by the District Magistrates’ in consultation with police, health and other stakeholders.

In a fresh directions issued by the Divisional Administration Kashmir, which reads that the a meeting regarding the commencement of Muharram was held on 14-07-2021 with regard to arrangements to be put in place by various departments—water supply, power facility ,health, sanitation etc.

“According to the earlier review meeting held earlier on 14-07-2021, which also added that the meeting was held almost three weeks prior to commencement of Muharram. The Religious functions are being held by the Shia Community for two to three weeks during the Muharram. Directions were passed in the said meeting, which contained in the minutes that all religious processions / gatherings will be held as per the Covid -19 SOPs / guidelines issued by the Government from time to time. The Covid-19 situation is changing and the number of positive cases are still reported from all districts in Kashmir,” the order reads.

It further states that as such, the earlier directions issued vide above referred minutes with regard to conducting processions / gatherings and management of law and Order etc are modified and appropriate decisions for suitable action will be taken by the Districts Magistrate concerned in consultation with police, health and other stakeholders so as to comply with the Covid norms and maintain the smooth law and order.

An official told KNO that as per the already Covid -19 Guidelines issued by the State Executive Committee (SEC), there is a cap on the gatherings given the prevailing Covid-19 situation in the valley.

“Since the Programs of Muharram processions fall on different dates, and at different places in the valley, in view of that the concerned DCs will take the appropriate calls”, he said