No Muharram procession during Durga Puja, say Shia Muslims

DHANBAD: To maintain communal harmony, Shia Muslims have decided not to take out a procession in Katras on Muharram as Hindus would immerse idols of Goddess Durga on the day.

This year, Muharram falls on October 24, just after Durga Puja and Vijayadashmi festival. “We have decided not to take out Akhada (Muharram procession) at Chhatabad and other areas of Katras as the dates coincide (with the Hindu festival),” said Ruhi Nasir, councillor from Ward 2, Dhanbad Municipal Corporation.

Muslims took the decision at a meeting at the councillor’s residence in Chhatabad, Katras on Monday.

“It would be the festive season and at that time, Puja revellers will be on the roads for immersion of idols,” said Mohammad Shahbuddin, a social worker who presided over the meeting.

A participant said at the meeting, “Our priority is com- munal harmony, and religious processions may create a law and order problem. This is why we have appealed to the people of my community to cooperate with the police to maintain law and order.”

Leaders of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal have welcomed the decision, saying the move will bring the two communities closer.

“Communal harmony will be strengthened in the area,” said Uma Shankar Tiwari, a VHP leader.