Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Nov 25: Curfew-like restrictions were imposed in parts of Srinagar city today to prevent Shia mourners from taking out Moharram processions while police arrested over a dozen Shia mourners who tried to carry out processions in restricted areas of the city. Over one dozen protesters were injured in clashes that broke out in parts of Srinagar this afternoon.
Authorities imposed curfew like restrictions in the areas around Lal Chowk, Abi Guzar, Regal Chowk and Kahanyar and parts of the downtown area of Srinagar city to prevent Shia mourners to take out Moharram processions in these area. The restrictions were imposed following apprehension that separatists might convert the religious gathering into political assembly.
Early in the morning large contingents of police and para-military CRPF were deployed in the sensitive areas of Srinagar to prevent Shia mourners from taking out Moharram processions. The restrictions in these areas were imposed due to apprehensions that separatist groups might attempt to stage anti-national protests during the 10th Moharram processions today.
The Police and CRPF had sealed the restricted areas with the concertina wires and no movement was allowed in the areas of the city. In other areas of the city there was also heavy deployment of police and CRPF to prevent disturbances on the occasion of the 10th Moharram.
Despite restrictions a group of Shia mourners led by Anjuman e Sharyi Shiyaan Aga Syed Mujtuba appeared on Moulana Azad road near Lal Chowk. A large contingent of Police immediately swooped on them and arrested over a dozen of Shia mourners. They were bundled in police vehicles and taken to nearby Police Station Kothi Bagh.
Another group of Shia mourners led by Shia Youth Revolutionary leader Aga Mujahid Tanha appeared with a few mourners in Hari Singh High Street area of Srinagar. He along with his few supporters was also arrested by police.
In Hawal and Gojwara areas of downtown Srinagar, a group of youth pelted stones on Police leading to ding dong battles that continued till late in the evening. Police fired tear smoke to disperse the protesters. Over a dozen protesters and three policemen were injured in the clashes.
The restrictions and clashes led to closure of shops in Lal Chowk and old city areas of Srinagar. The Sunday market that attracts large number of shoppers on two kilometre road stretch between Lal Chowk and Radio Kashmir also remained shut due to restrictions. The traffic in these areas remained suspended.
Last Friday, clashes broke out in several parts of Srinagar city after police and CRPF tried to stop Shia mourners from taking out Moharram processions and a Shia mourner even attempted self- immolation against curbs.
Before the onset of militancy, the Shia community used to take out processions from Abi Guzar in uptown locality and Guru Bazaar in old city which culminated at Dalgate in Ram Munshi Bagh area to mark the 10th day of Muharram.
Authorities banned Moharram processions in sensitive areas in 1990 as they feared that militants might attack the processions. After the improvement in the situation the authorities apprehend that separatists might cause disturbance and use the processions for political ends.
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