Baramulla: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Elections, Javid Ahmad Dar on Tuesday chaired a review meeting in Baramulla to assess the preparedness of various departments for the smooth and peaceful observance of Muharram-ul-Harram across the district.
The meeting was attended by Javid Hassan Baig, Javaid Riyaz Bedar, Irshad Rasool Kar, Irfan Hafiz Lone, senior officers of the civil and police administration, heads of departments, representatives of Shia organisations, civil society members and other stakeholders.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, S. F. Hamid, briefed the Minister on the arrangements being put in place by the district administration for the peaceful and hassle-free observance of Muharram. He outlined measures being undertaken in key sectors, including power supply, drinking water, sanitation, healthcare services, road connectivity, traffic management and public distribution systems.
Representatives of various Shia organisations and associations also highlighted several issues and requirements concerning the provision of essential services during the holy month.
Addressing the meeting, Javid Dar said Muharram-ul-Harram carries profound religious and historical significance and serves as a source of inspiration through its timeless message of sacrifice, patience, truth and righteousness.
He said it is the collective responsibility of all departments to ensure that devotees are able to observe the sacred month in a peaceful and dignified manner.
The Minister stressed the need for close inter-departmental coordination and directed all concerned departments to complete necessary arrangements well in advance. He instructed officers to maintain constant monitoring of facilities and establish effective response mechanisms for prompt redressal of public grievances.
Laying special emphasis on sanitation and cleanliness around Imambaras, religious congregational sites and procession routes, Dar directed the Municipal authorities and the Rural Development Department to intensify cleanliness drives, ensure proper waste management and deploy adequate manpower and machinery throughout the Muharram period.
He further instructed all line departments to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services, including electricity, drinking water, healthcare and transportation facilities, so that devotees do not face any inconvenience during the observances.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to facilitating the smooth conduct of religious events, the Minister assured that all genuine demands raised by representatives would be examined on priority and addressed in a time-bound manner.
He also appealed to the public, religious leaders and community representatives to continue extending cooperation to the administration in maintaining the spirit of harmony, brotherhood and mutual respect during Muharram-ul-Harram.
