Editorial | Changing Winds  

The allowance of Muharram 8 processions in Srinagar after a gap of 34 long years has been truly a historic step which deserves unequivocal praise no matter what religion, school of thought or political ideology one may belong to. The Jammu and Kashmir administration led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri after taking into consideration the pleas of the Shia community, gave a go ahead for the procession to send a positive message among all the stakeholders. However while the negotiations were underway, it reportedly was because of egoistic behavior of an invitee that played a spoilsport to the outreach of the administration – which likely resulted in the processions being curtailed on traditional routes on eve of Ashura (Muharram 10). Given the nature of the activity, the participant to the negotiations not only failed to behave himself but also walked out of the meeting midway, throwing the peace overtures of administration and sentiments of the Community to winds in one go. It was despite this reckless and unsupportive behavior by the participant that administration took the bold step to allow the procession – a step which richly attracted appreciation from cross sections of society. However, had the participant been a bit more patient, restrained and cooperative, the administration could have very well allowed the procession on the traditional route for Ashura as well, but only because of the egoistic approach of one participant, the community had to bear the brunt and suffer a huge deal with regard to Ashura activities. As public representatives the political leaders should once and always keep in mind that they are for the public and if at any point of time lowering their esteem can bring the people respite in any way, they shouldn’t hesitate in doing so. The things are nevertheless changing for good given the peaceful conduct of anticipated Muharram 8 processions, we may expect more of such people friendly measures being taken by the incumbent administration and law enforcement agencies for sending a more positive message among the denizens of Jammu and Kashmir.