Srinagar, June 15: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for the smooth and peaceful observance of Muharram-2026 across the Union Territory. He directed all concerned departments to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services and effective inter-departmental coordination.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, legislators, representatives of Shia organisations, clerics, civil society members and senior government officials. Deputy Commissioners and other officers from various districts joined virtually.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said preparations for Muharram had been underway for several weeks and stressed the need to complete all remaining works well in advance.

He directed the Power Development Department to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply at major congregation venues and procession routes, along with adequate backup arrangements including generators and inverter systems.

Reviewing water supply arrangements, Omar Abdullah instructed the Jal Shakti Department to provide uninterrupted access to clean drinking water and establish static distribution points in areas where tanker movement may be difficult.

The Chief Minister also directed Urban Local Bodies to intensify sanitation and cleanliness drives around Imambaras, procession routes and major congregation sites. He called for close coordination with the Fire and Emergency Services Department for road washing and cleaning operations.

On healthcare preparedness, he instructed the Health and Medical Education Department to deploy sufficient medical personnel, ambulances, emergency response teams and medical camps at strategic locations.

Reviewing traffic management plans, Omar Abdullah directed the Traffic Police and Civil Administration to ensure smooth movement of processions while minimizing inconvenience to commuters, tourists and the general public.

The Roads and Buildings Department was instructed to undertake urgent repairs and fill potholes along procession routes to ensure safe passage during Muharram.

The Chief Minister emphasized accountability and directed all designated nodal officers to remain accessible to the public for prompt grievance redressal. He also announced that the Chief Minister’s Secretariat would closely monitor arrangements and review public complaints during the observance period.

During the meeting, representatives of Shia organisations, clerics, legislators and civil society members raised issues related to electricity, water supply, sanitation, healthcare, roads and other civic services.

Officials informed the meeting that field visits, public outreach programmes and inter-departmental coordination efforts are already underway to ensure the smooth and peaceful observance of Muharram-2026 across Jammu and Kashmir.