KARGIL AUGUST 28, 2020: With Muharram-ul-Haram, the first month of the Islamic calendar in progress, a number of sessions of sermons and recitations of Nauha and Marsiya (mournful poetry) commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S) in the battle of Karbala in the 7th Century continue to be held with immense religious fervor in Kargil district amidst strict observance of COVID-19 SOPs put in place by the Administration.
Congregations commemorating Imam Hussain’s supreme sacrifice for truth, justice, peace and harmony were organized across the Kargil Town and all Sub Divisions of the district today subject to preventive measures like usage of masks, hand sanitizers, maintenance of proper social distancing, usage of thermal scanners, sanitization of the Imam Baras and other places of congregations and other required measures.
The main congregations were held at Anjuman e Jamiat ul Ulema Isna Ashariya, Kargil (AJUIAK)/ Islamia School Kargil and Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT) premises at the District Headquarters which were attended by approximately 90 to 100 mourners in each case.
Furthermore, mourning sessions in Kargil town were also held under the close supervision of the Magistrates and Mohalla Committees at Imam Barah Balti Bazar, Poyen and Chanchik with the number of mourners in each case ranging between 20 to 35.
Other hamlets in and round the District Headquarter Kargil included Titichumik, Goma Kargil, Hussain Abad Pishoo, Lankore, Dass, Longbithang, Pashkum, Bemathang, Baroo Colony, Shilikchay, Akchamal, Chutumail, the number of attendees in each congregation was at the most 25 in each case.
In case of Shakar Chiktan Sub Division, amidst strict observance of SOPs, mourning congregations were held at Manglishon Chiktan, Samrah, Hagnis, Shakar, Kukshow, Skamboo, Karamba, Tacha, Rgyalkhang Wakha, Khachay Fokar, Darket, Chatithang Mulbekh, Kukstay, Mundik, Youqma Kharboo, Tsaraqs Stachay and Pesbuchay which were attended by mourners numbering between 25 to 30 in each case.
In Sankoo Sub Division, Muharram Majalis were held at Parkachik, Choskore Suru, Khawos, Kochik, Nam Suru, Gongma Saliskote, Tambis, Kanoor, Trespone, Tai Suru, Lankarchey, Sarchey, Thangdumbur, Thasgam, Thovina, Nangma Kousar, Khachan, Thangboo, Gyaling and Pangbar Broq. The number of mourners in each Imambara remained 20 to 35 maximum.
In Drass Sub Division congregations were held at Drass Headquarter, Imam Barah Muradbagh, Goshan, Throngus, Kharboo, Shimsha, Yulboo, Pandrass, Matayen, Dandal Thang and Jasgond where the number of mourners in each case was between 20 to 50 maximum.
Meanwhile, at District Headquarter Kargil and other parts of Kargil Block as well as in case of all the Sub Divisions, SOPs issued by the Administration were followed in letter and spirit under the close supervision of the Magistrates and the Mohallah Committees.
Mourners were made to wash their hands and feet thoroughly with soap and water before entering the premises of congregations where necessary facilities were provided for this purpose by the organizations managing the premises.
Meanwhile, sanitization of the premises of the Imam Baras was also carried out at regular intervals, before and after the Majalis at proper timings fixed by the managing organizations. Frequent cleaning and disinfection roster are also being maintained by the management of each place of mourning congregation on daily basis.
Moreover, appropriate sanitization of lavatories, hand and foot washing stations/areas, railings, door knobs, proper disposal of face covers/masks, gloves and leftovers by the devotees are also being ensured on day to day basis after the congregations are over.
Tabarruk is being served in packets with proper use of gloves during all the congregations.