Thousands of Shia Muslims marched through Indianheld Kashmirs largest city on Thursday for a major religious procession permitted in the restive territory for the first time since a ban was imposed decades ago . The Islamic calendar is currently in the month of Muharram the holiest time for Shias across the world when large processions mark the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammads grandson Hussain in the seventh century .
Authorities in Kashmir had banned the traditional ceremony in the year after an armed revolt against Indian rule erupted in the disputed region . Since imposing direct rule on the territory four years ago Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis government has been eager to claim improved security in the territory after decades of unrest .
But critics say that authorities have dramatically curtailed civil liberties in a clampdown on unrest with ongoing restrictions on journalists public protests and religious worship . The region’s chief cleric has been confined to house arrest since and prayers at Srinagars main mosque remain subject to restrictions on congregation size and restrictions on congregations at the main mosque in Srinagar’s main mosque .
The procession concluded without incident . This is a dividend of peace the citys top administrator Mohammad Aijaz told reporters after the procession concluded with the march to be proved he told reporters that the government claims of peace was a ‘dignity of peace’ The procession ended without incident.
The procession was by far the largest in a generation and this year was the first of the procession was the most peaceful and it concluded without incidents. This years was the largest and it was the biggest and the procession. The march was the last time the procession .
The march concluded without without incident in a decade. It was the only time many of those who joined were allowed to participate. It concluded without .
