Thousands of Shias from various villages to Kargil participated to mark the Ashura processions on October 1 in Kargil district. Reciting lamentations and beating their chest people performed their commemoration rituals.

The procession was organised by Anjuman-e-Jamiat Ulema Shia Madrsa Kargil.

Adequate numbers of police were deployed to maintain security while as various voluntary organisation including Al Reza health care and research foundation and Baqirya Healthcare and research centre provided free medical aid.

The day was also observed in Drass, Suru, Sankoo, Barto, Saliskote and Chiktan.

Muharram is marked annually by the Muslim in honour of the Third Imam and his 72 companions, who were all martyred in the Battle of Karbala by the army of the tyrant of the time, the Umayyad caliph, Yazid I, in 680 AD. That historical battle has come to signify the determined struggle of good against evil and resonates strongly with Shia Muslims.