(Pics) Muharram: Curfew in Srinagar, processions returned

Srinagar, Nov 14: While the entire country is celebrating Muharram with huge pomp and show, the capital of Jammu and Kahmir, Srinagar, is under curfew to avoid the annual Muharram procession, even as approximately 70 protestors were arrested and 50 people, including a photo journalist were injured.

Although the curfew was placed in areas coming under the jurisdiction of Shaheed Gunj, Maisuma and Kothibagh Police Stations, security forces are alert in the other areas too.

"It has been a usual practice since 1989 to impose curfew and disallow the main processions of 8th and 10th of Muharram. We had some apprehensions of a law and order problem as the police reported that some people could attempt to disrupt the congregation and politicise the religious event," said Deputy Commissioner Farooq Shah.

He further added,"All the Muharram processions, which have been permitted in the last 25 years, would be allowed in restricted areas with limited presence of the local population. The main processions of the 8th and 10th day of Muharram ( Aashura ) would not be allowed."

He, however, clarified that the orders would be enforced on Thursday and Friday on the main streets alone; but the Tazia, Alam, and Zuljanah processions would be carried out as usual in the interiors of the locality.

However, unrest was visible when the police and the security forces returned traffic from several points and wires and other barriers were set up to bar protestors from entering a few regions.

Alleging that the Omar Abdullah government was interfering with the Muslim faith, several people staged protests in Shaheed Gunj, Jehangir Chowk, and Batmal, condemning the ban.

In Srinagar

Securitymen chasing away Muslim Shia mourners who took out a procession to mark eighth day of Muharram in Srinagar on Wednesday. Dozens of Shia mourners were taken into preventive custody when they tried to take out traditional procession in violation of prohibitory orders in the city.

In Srinagar

Muslim Shia mourners after they took out a procession to mark eighth day of Muharram in Srinagar on Wednesday. Dozens of shia mourners were taken into preventive custody when they tried to take out traditional procession in violation of prohibitory orders in the city.

In Srinagar

Security personnel stop pedestrians during restrictions imposed by the authorties to thwart Muharram processions at Lal Chowk in Srinagar on Wednesday. Dozens of mourners were taken into preventive custody when they tried to take out traditional procession violating prohibitory orders in the city.

In Srinagar

A police man firing teargas shells to disperse Shia mourners during their Muharram procession in Srinagar on Wednesday. Dozens of mourners were taken into preventive custody when they tried to take out traditional procession violating prohibitory orders in the city.

OneIndia News