40 Shia mourners arrested in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jan 30 (UNI) About 40 Shia mourners were arrested near here today when they violated a ban imposed on the Muharram processions by the authorities in the city since 1990.

Official sources said scores of Shia mourners assembled at the Regal Chowk despite a ban and tried to move towards Moulana Azad road in a procession.

A large number of police personnel deployed in the area since early this morning swung into action and stopped them. However, when the processionists refused to disperse, police resorted to baton charge. Later, about 20 mourners were arrested by the police.

The mourners again reassembled at Mounla Azad road near the Congress Headquarters.

When they tried to move towards Abi Guzar, the police again arrested more than 20 mourners.

The Police have also sealed entire Abi Guzar and the main road from Regal Chowk to Bisco school has been closed since early this morning to prevent mourners to reach Abi Guzar mosque.

The Shia mourners used to take out Muharram procession from Abi Guzar to Zadibal Imambara after marching through entire old city before 1990.

The Jammu and Kashmir government had banned the Muharram processions in the city since 1990, following the eruption of militancy.

UNI