TNFJ opposes closure of bazaars, markets during Ashura

Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Fiqa Jafaria (TNFJ) has opposed the unnecessary closure of bazaars and markets during Ashura and called for provision of foolproof security arrangements for Muharram processions in the province. Speaking at a news conference here at Peshawar Press Club (PPC), the TNFJ Provincial Council, supervisor KPK, Major (Retd) Syed Hasnain Haider Kazmi said that they are against the closure of shopping markets and bazaars during the Ashura.
He added that the situation will get scare in absence of trade activities in the provincial metropolis, saying the continuation of business activities would helpful thwart any untoward incident. He said that Muharram preach us message of peace, harmony and brotherhood, therefore Ulema, religious scholars and preachers should create awareness about the significance of the Ashura. He said there was confrontation and differences between Shiitee and Sunni sects.
"We want to forge unity, harmony and brotherhood while keeping in view the importance of the Ashura, he maintained. He asked that the law enforcement agencies should make security arrangements for Muharram processions while keeping in mind miseries of the masses, adding that the all barriers and hurdles needed to be removed in this regard. Expressing concern over the suspension of Muharram processions in district Manshera, he informed that the processions have been stopped for a decade in the area on behest of miscreants. However, he said that the caretaker of the Imambargah had submitted a petition in the High Court, after which case was decided in their favour, but has not been implemented yet.
He referred to another issue facing the caretaker of Imambargah in district Kohat, saying that the police are creating hurdles in Muharram gathering and processions, because of which mourners are facing enormous difficulties in performing of their religious obligations. He informed that the caretaker had submitted a petition in High Court against the closure of Imambargah, after which the Court decided the case in their favour, but yet to be enforced. He demanded for immediate reopening of Imambargah in district Kohat, and lift ban on Muharram processions in district Manshera as well.