Restrictions imposed in parts of Srinagar to thwart Muharram processions
Processions taken out in Zadibal, adjoining areas
Srinagar, Sep 21: Authorities on Friday imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar city as a precautionary measure in the wake of Ashura, however a massive procession was taken out in Zadibal and adjoining Shia-dominated parts of the city.
A police spokesperson said the curbs were imposed in the police station areas of Khanyar, Nowhatta, Rainawari, Safakadal, M R Gunj and Kothibagh.
Restrictions, under Section 144 CrPC, have been imposed in six police station areas of the city here as a precautionary measure to regulate the 10th Muharram procession, he said.
Main roads leading towards these areas were blocked for vehicular movement.
Police also foiled an Ashura procession by detaining scores of Shia mourners in Lal Chowk area of Srinagar.
Witnesses said scores of Shia mourners managed to reach the city center despite strict restrictions put in place by authorities to foil any march.
The mourners were led by senior Hurriyat-G leader Nissar Hussain Rather, who along with other mourners were detained by police near Badshah Chowk.
Earlier, authorities imposed restrictions in parts of the Srinagar city to prevent the 10th Muharram procession.
Authorities have not allowed 8th and 10th Muharram processions in Srinagar since 1990. However smaller processions that remain localized in area with substantive Shia population are allowed.
Life elsewhere in the Valley remained normal.
Owing to restrictions, authorities also disallowed congregational weekly prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid in downtown Srinagar.
Early today morning, Hurriyat-M chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who delivers a sermon every Friday, was placed under house-arrest.
“Curbs curfew & House Arrests continue, even on #Aashura! No Friday prayers allowed at many mosques in the city including #JamaMasjid by the rulers. Even majlis-e-tableeg to pay tributes to #ImamHussian(AS) and #MartyrsOf Karbala which I was going to address, barred!” tweeted Mirwaiz.
