For the second consecutive year since 1989, the echoes of “Ya Hussain" reverberated through the heart of Srinagar as tens of thousands of mourners peacefully participated in the 8th and 10th Muharram processions—events long banned during the violent years of Pakistan-backed insurgency in Kashmir. This wasn’t just a religious congregation; it was a moment of historic reckoning. After 34 years, the street belonged again to the mourners, not the militants.

At the helm of this dramatic shift stood Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, whose administration decisively facilitated the restoration of these iconic processions. The L-G, who has been pivotal in reshaping Kashmir’s post-Article 370 governance narrative, personally monitored preparations, security drills, and interfaith outreach meetings leading up to the event.

“This is about trust, constitutional rights, and the people’s faith in the state. We have delivered on that promise," said Sinha in a press briefing.

The numbers speak volumes. More than 20,000 people marched in Srinagar alone on the 8th and 10th of Muharram, following the traditional route from Abi Guzar to Dalgate—a path that had been sealed for decades.

Across Jammu and Kashmir, over 40,000 participants were recorded in various processions. Not a single incident of violence was reported. Security arrangements were unprecedented. The state deployed 3,500 personnel, installed 80 CCTV cameras, used drones with facial recognition, and ensured real-time surveillance. Quick reaction teams were stationed every 300 metres.

Sanitation, lighting, and medical booths were operational across the route—something unimaginable during the earlier years of curfews and crackdowns. “This is not just about allowing a procession," said Shia cleric Syed Rizwan Haider. “It’s about restoring a people’s dignity and their right to mourn publicly after three decades of silence, fear, and forced erasure."

To understand the emotional weight of this year’s Muharram procession, one must........

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