19/06/2026
Shia Federation Jammu Province Demands Immediate Civic Arrangements for Muharram Observances
Jammu, June 17: President of Shia Federation Jammu, Ashiq Hussain Khan, has expressed serious concern over the inadequate civic arrangements in several Muslim-majority localities of Jammu city ahead of the holy month of Muharram. He urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the district administration to take immediate corrective measures to ensure smooth and dignified observance of Muharram rituals.
Ashiq Hussain Khan stated that despite repeatedly raising the issue with the authorities, the condition of roads, lanes, drains and sanitation facilities in important Muharram routes remains unsatisfactory. He recalled that during the holy month of Ramadan last year, he had personally requested the Divisional Commissioner Jammu to ensure proper arrangements at major religious places including Janipur Shrine, Karbala Complex Peer Mitha, Bathindi Imam Bara and other important centres of religious significance.
He said that residents of Talab Khatikan, Dalpatian Mohalla and adjoining areas are deeply upset over the failure of the concerned departments to undertake proper cleaning of streets and drains before Muharram. These areas house important religious and historical sites including the historic Jamia Masjid Talab Khatikan, Karbala Complex and Imam Bara Peer Mitha, where thousands of mourners and devotees gather during Muharram.
Lashing out at the administration, Khan said that the people of Jammu are not being taken seriously despite Muharram being one of the most significant periods for the Shia community. He noted that a few days ago the local MLA visited the area and assured residents that their concerns would be addressed, but no visible progress has been made on the ground so far.
Ashiq Hussain Khan further pointed out that while in Kashmir extensive meetings are held between the administration and representatives of the Shia community to review Muharram arrangements, Jammu has largely been ignored. He expressed disappointment that the Muharram preparations, which have already commenced, have received very little attention, particularly in the areas of sanitation, road repairs and public convenience.
He emphasized that the road stretch from Peer Mitha to Karbala and from New Plot to Peer Mitha requires immediate repair and special attention. The approach road leading to Imam Bara Bathindi is also in a deplorable condition, causing difficulties for mourners and local residents alike.
Khan said that this year Muharram and the annual Amarnath Yatra are being observed simultaneously. While extensive efforts and arrangements have been made for the Yatra, the requirements related to Muharram have not received adequate attention. He stressed that all communities deserve equal civic facilities and administrative support during their important religious observances.
While appreciating the directions and efforts made by the Deputy Commissioner Jammu, he said that the ground situation remains largely unchanged. Residents and mourners continue to face hardships due to poor sanitation, clogged drains and damaged roads along major Muharram routes.
The Shia Federation President appealed to the concerned departments to immediately undertake cleanliness drives, repair damaged roads and lanes, clear drains and ensure all essential civic amenities before the commencement of major Muharram programmes.
Ashiq Hussain Khan also appealed to the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to personally intervene in the matter and direct the concerned authorities to ensure comprehensive arrangements for Muharram so that mourners can perform religious rituals peacefully, smoothly and with dignity.
