HAILAKANDI, Oct 12 - Along with the rest of the State, the Muslim community in Hailakandi district observed Muharram with religious fervour today. The day began with the hoisting of the flag by Deputy Commissioner Moloy Bora in the presence of SP Pranabjyoti Goswami, Additional Deputy Commissioner Amalendu Roy, Circle Officer Sarfaraz Haque, Lalumiah Laskar and Sirajuddin Barbhuiya, president and secretary respectively of the District Muharram Committee, at the DSA grounds.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said the day symbolizes supreme sacrifice and it is celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm by the followers of Islam as well as adherents to other faiths. Extending his greetings to the Muslim community, Bora hoped that Muharram would be observed in true spirit and in a disciplined manner as it has been observed in Hailakandi over the decades.
SP Pranabjyoti Goswami said Muharram commemorates the supreme sacrifice of Imam Hussein and his followers in the Battle of Karbala and helps to unite different communities by strengthening the bond of unity and amity. He hoped that different communities would take part in it, which would be a shining example of unity and amity in the country. Additional Deputy Commissioner Amalendu Roy, president of the District Muharram Committee, Lalumiah Laskar, vice president Tasir Ali Laskar and secretary Sirajuddin Barbuiya also spoke on the occasion.
Since the morning, the streets witnessed long processions of taziyas and mourners from different parts of the town who assembled at the DSA grounds. Slogans of �Ya Hussein� rent the air as Muslims took part in the ceremonial mourning commemorating the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad�s grandson, Imam Hussein, with flags and replicas of Hussein�s tomb in their hands. Some mourners flogged themselves and displayed their skills with traditional weapons.
Taziyas of different shapes and sizes � round, square, hexagonal and octagonal and height ranging from 10 to 15 feet � entered the town through six entry points. The district administration removed the overhanging electric wires and other obstructions for the smooth flow of the processions. Traffic regulations were enforced from 12 noon to 4 pm. There was a huge gathering of 20,000 people at the DSA grounds despite the inclement weather. Taziya processions were also taken out at Lala, Katlicherra, Panchgram, Algapur and Gharmura areas.
DC Bora thanked the office bearers of the District Muharram Committee and 332 anchalik committees for observing Muharram in a peaceful manner. He also thanked them for taking steps to dispose of the scrap and stubs properly.
Nagaon Correspondent adds: Muharram was also observed in Nagaon on Wednesday. People belonging to the Islam community observed fasting and took part in religious discussions. Taziya processions were also taken out and special prayers were held to mark the day.
