Muharram procession passes off peacefully in Srinagar amid police warning over hoisting flags, pics of terrorists

Following strict warnings from the police against displaying flags and photographs of terrorists belonging to national and international groups, hundreds of mourners and Shia priests were allowed to join the Shia Muharram procession on the traditional six kilometer long route in downtown Srinagar on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Shiite mourners, including women and children, gathered at Srinagar’s Guru Bazar around 6 am, and the march culminated in Dalgate around 9 am. The Muharram procession was banned following the outbreak of militancy on the traditional route in 1989 and was allowed by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration in 2023.

A day before the parade, J&K Police issued an advisory. “It is strictly forbidden to fly flags bearing provocative slogans, texts, photographs of terrorists or logos of banned organizations (national/international),” the police warning said.

Shia Muslims take part in the eighth day of Muharram procession in downtown Srinagar on June 24, 2026. | Photo Credit: IMRAN NISSAR

Shiite cleric Masrour Abbas Ansari said, “We appealed to the mourners to maintain peace and follow discipline. We did not want the administration to use any excuse to ban the Muharram procession again. However, the time frame fixed for marches and payments is unacceptable to us. It is not possible to disperse around 11 am. We appealed for the time frame to be until evening prayers.”

He said “strict instructions” had been taken because of protests earlier this year. Mr. Ansari said, “Our young people were arrested after the protests against the USA and Israel on February 28 due to Iran’s religious leader Ali Khamenei. The administration should not give too strict instructions.”

Police took extra precautions due to a recent increase in pro-Iran street demonstrations following the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, followed by cases filed against protesters under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967.

The administration’s recommendation follows reports that flags of Lebanon-based Hezbollah and its deceased leader Hassan Nasrallah were seen during Muharram processions last year. During the parade, the posters also included a photo of the assassinated Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani.

The administration also warned against raising national or anti-government speeches, slogans or propaganda. The police consultancy said, “No action that would harm the security and sovereignty of the state will be allowed. National symbols and emblems will always be respected.” The administration also banned the use of drones during the process.

“We held extensive discussions with volunteers and organizers to ensure that all regulations were properly implemented and the events ran smoothly,” said Inspector General of Police VK Birdi. He appreciated the cooperation of the volunteers and members of the organizing committee in maintaining discipline and assisting the authorities in managing the event.