Ashura marked in separate ceremonies in Kabul

KABUL (TOLOnew): The residents of Kabul mourned the 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, with separate ceremonies.
However, some of the mourners voiced criticisms over the restrictions imposed for mourning on Ashura and called on the interim government to rescind such restrictions.
“Our people complained that there should be no restrictions in the west of Kabul—There could have been some miscommunication among security officials,” said Sayed Hassan Fazalzada, head of the assembly of Shia Ulema of Afghanistan.
“We are proud that we are following Husayn and … we have never used the Ashura tribune against others,” said Asadullah Sadati, former deputy of the High Council for National Reconciliation.
Ashura is recognized as the day of martyrdom of the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), Husayn ibn Ali, and his death is mourned around the world with special ceremonies.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister for Policy and Strategy of the Ministry of Interior (MoI), Makhdom Abdul Haq, who also attended a ceremony of Ashura in Kabul, said that all kinds of religious freedoms of citizens are ensured.
“If he is Hindu, Sikh or anyone else or even Jogi. All of these people are from the Afghan nation and are my brothers… we will try day and night for their security,” he said.
“One year includes 12 months and we just mourn for 10 days which is registered in the history of the Muslims,” said Sher Mohammad Hossieni, a resident of Kabul.
Meanwhile, residents also reported that telecommunication services in the city of Kabul were shut down on Friday, but Islamic Emirate officials have yet to comment.