India’s Shia Board Urges Prime Minister to Protect Muharram Processions

India’s Shia Board Urges Prime Minister to Protect Muharram Processions
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The All India Shia Personal Law Board has formally appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to guarantee the security and administrative support needed to protect Muharram processions and gatherings, emphasizing the significance of this sacred month for millions of Shiite Muslims across India.

In its official letter, the Board urged state governments to create a safe and respectful environment for Ashura rituals, aligning with the values of human dignity and freedom of belief. It also requested permission for traditional mourning processions to pass along their historic routes, along with the provision of basic services such as water and electricity, infrastructure repairs, and protective measures for participants — especially given the rising temperatures in many regions.

The Board stressed that Muharram is not only a Shiite religious occasion but also carries a universal message of solidarity that resonates across India’s diverse communities, including Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians, under the banner of “No to Oppression, Yes to Justice.”

Cities and towns across India are now preparing to mark Muharram, with Shiite communities organizing majlis, processions, and communal gatherings to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), revered as a symbol of sacrifice and reform in Islam.