Religious Freedoms Crushed Again: Yaum-e-Ali Procession Blocked in Baramulla, IIOJK

Religious repression deepens in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) as authorities clamp down on the centuries-old Yaum-e-Ali procession, leaving the community outraged.

In another blatant display of religious suppression, the authorities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have once again barred the observance of the traditional Yaum-e-Ali procession in the Mirgund area of Baramulla district.

On the 21st of Ramadan, strict restrictions were enforced across Mirgund and its neighboring areas. The Baramulla district administration justified these severe measures under the pretext of ‘security concerns’. As a result, the peaceful religious procession, which has been a significant part of local Islamic tradition, was forcefully halted.

The situation further escalated after the recent ban on Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen, an organization historically responsible for organizing the Yaum-e-Ali events. Led by Maulana Masroor Abbas Ansari, the group has long played a pivotal role in coordinating the procession and delivering sermons. Authorities cited the ban as an additional reason for disallowing this year’s observance.

Adding to the repression, the occupation forces sealed off all entry points leading to Imambargah Hazrat Abbas, as well as the venue where the Majlis was to be held. Residents were sternly warned to comply with the imposed restrictions, with threats of strict punitive action against anyone who attempted to violate the orders.

The decision has sparked anger and dismay within the local Shia Muslim community, who view this move as an outright violation of their religious rights and freedoms. The Yaum-e-Ali procession holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for the community, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (RA).

Maulana Masroor Abbas Ansari, who traditionally leads the procession and delivers sermons, was placed under house arrest ahead of the event. Expressing his deep disappointment, he remarked, “This is a historic procession that predates even the formation of Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen.”

He further lamented that the authorities had enforced restrictions even before the scheduled day, preventing worshippers from participating in the special night prayers associated with Shab-e-Qadr, one of the holiest nights in the Islamic calendar. “It is both saddening and deeply regrettable,” Ansari added.

This is not the first instance where the Indian administration has curtailed religious gatherings in Kashmir. Over recent years, such crackdowns on religious processions, prayers, and gatherings have become more frequent, especially during significant Islamic occasions.

Observers and rights groups argue that these actions reflect a systematic attempt to erode the religious identity of Kashmiris and suppress their collective cultural expressions under the guise of law and order.