Srinagar, Jun 24: An extensive security and facilitation plan, including Artificial Intelligence-enabled monitoring and drone surveillance, has been put in place across Srinagar and other parts of the Valley to ensure the peaceful and smooth conduct of Ashura and other Muharram processions throughout the month, Jammu & Kashmir Police said on Wednesday.
Senior police officers, including Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone V K Birdi and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar Dr GV Sundeep Chakraborty, participated in the 8th Muharram procession and distributed water and beverages at various Sabeels organised at Lal Chowk. They interacted with mourners, volunteers and members.
Officials said elaborate arrangements involving traffic regulation, crowd management, emergency response systems and round-the-clock surveillance are being put in place in consultation with religious bodies, civil administration and local stakeholders.
Speaking to reporters, IGP Kashmir said the police are focusing equally on security and public convenience to ensure that mourners are able to observe Muharram peacefully and with dignity.
“Comprehensive security arrangements were in place across Srinagar for the 8th Muharram procession. Similar arrangements will be there for 10th Muharram (Ashura) and the rest of the month across Kashmir,” Birdi said. “Our effort is to facilitate the religious gatherings in the best possible manner while ensuring safety and smooth movement for the general public. Police and civil administration are working in close coordination, and all necessary measures will remain in place throughout the month.”
Talking to reporters while joining the 8th Muharram procession, SSP Chakravorthy said that advanced surveillance systems, including AI-assisted monitoring and drone surveillance, were used for the smooth and peaceful conduction of the procession.
“The arrangements will be the same for the Ashura processions in the city,” the SSP said. “Muharram is observed with deep reverence and emotions. We appeal to mourners, volunteers and citizens to cooperate with police and traffic personnel, follow designated routes and adhere to advisories in letter and spirit so that all events pass peacefully.”
The use of drones and smart surveillance, officials said, will help authorities monitor sensitive locations, manage traffic diversions and respond swiftly to emergencies, particularly during major congregational events in Srinagar and district headquarters.
Officials said additional CCTV systems are also being integrated into the security grid to strengthen monitoring across key routes.
Meanwhile, DGP, IGP, SSP, DySP Headquarters Syed Sleet Shah, and several other senior officers of police participated in the 8th Muharram procession and took part in the Sabeel at Lal Chowk. IGP Kashmir, SSP Srinagar and senior police officers distributed water and other beverages to the mourners. The participation of top police officers was seen as a gesture of outreach and confidence-building, with several mourners appreciating the administration’s efforts to ensure smooth observance of the 8th Muharram procession.
