Arbaeen e Hussaini Observed in Kargil Under the Banner of Jamiat Ul Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil (JUIAK) Ladakh

KARGIL: The Arbaeen (Chehlum) of the Martyrs of Karbala was observed in Kargil under the banner of Jamiat Ul Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil (JUIAK) Ladakh. Marking the 40th day of mourning for the martyrs of Karbala, the event witnessed participation from the community, and specially the processions of Mourners from Kashmir, mourning processions from various nearby villages, the Kargil town area. The participants expressed their grief and devotion through chest-beating, self-flagellation with chains, and heartfelt lamentations.

The processions passed through key locations in Kargil, including Main Bazar, Isna Asharia Chowk, Isna Ashriya Campus, Khomeni Chowk, and Lal Chowk, before concluding at Inqalab Manzil. The event culminated with the recitation of Ziyarat-e-Arbayeen by Hojjatul Islam Sheikh Nazir Mehdi Mohammadi, President JUIAK Ladakh, prayed for peace, prosperity, and communal harmony across the nation.

In his main sermon, Sheikh Nazir Mehdi Mohammadi addressed several pressing issues of concern to the people of Kargil and Ladakh and highlighted the grievances of local transporters in Kargil, particularly regarding the permissions granted to vehicles from outside the region to operate within Kargil, a practice not reciprocated in neighbouring district. He appealed to LAHDC Kargil to protect the rights of Kargil’s transporters and ensure fair treatment.

Sheikh Nazir strongly condemned the ongoing genocide in occupied Palestine and Israel’s continued aggression in the region, including recent bombings in southern Lebanon. He appealed to international human rights organizations to take concrete action against Israel's crimes. Additionally, he urged the Indian government to sever diplomatic ties with Israel, emphasizing that India's values are rooted in humanity and non-violence, and should not be aligned with the actions of a state founded on occupation, terrorism, and genocide.

Furthermore, Sheikh Nazir highlighted the arrival of thousands of Zawars (pilgrims) from Kashmir to Kargil, who came to partake in the Ziyarat of the Alam (flag) of Hazrat Abbas, brought from the Holy Shrine of Hazrat Imam Hussain, Hazrat Abbas Alamdar, and Hazrat Imam Jawad. This act of devotion reflects the deep connection and reverence the believers have towards the martyrs of Karbala.

During the observance, Sheikh Nazir Mehdi Mohammadi also welcomed the recent announcement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the creation of five new districts in Ladakh. While expressing appreciation for this significant administrative development, Sheikh Nazir voiced regret over the exclusion of Sankoo and Shakar Chiktan from the list of new districts. He emphasized that these regions, given their substantial population and the longstanding demands of the local people, should have been considered in the creation of new districts. He urged the authorities to re-evaluate the decision and address the aspirations of the people of Sankoo and Shakar Chiktan, who have been advocating for district status.

Every year on Arbaeen, millions of people from around the world travel to Karbala, with many walking on foot to the holy city to participate in what is considered the largest annual Islamic gathering on earth. The commemoration honors Imam Hussain (AS) and his 72 companions, who were martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, after a valiant stand for justice against the vast army of the Umayyad caliph, Yazid I.

The event in Kargil concluded with a collective prayer for global peace, unity, and the upholding of justice and human rights. General Secreatry JUIAK Ladakh thanked Adminstration, Medical Department, PHE, Ladakh Police, Particularly Municipal Committee Kargil and all volunteers, Sabeel Owners and volunteers from Kashmir for a succeful Arbaeen Procession.