Muharram: Security heightened in parts of Srinagar

Curfew-like restrictions were imposed in parts of Srinagar city on Sunday to prevent Shia mourners from taking out Muharram processions following apprehension that separatists might convert the religious gathering into political assembly.

Curfew-like restrictions were imposed in parts of Srinagar city on Sunday to prevent Shia mourners from taking out Muharram processions following apprehension that separatists might convert the religious gathering into political assembly.

HT Image

Strict prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC were imposed in the areas around Lal Chowk, Abi Guzar, Regal Chowk and some parts of the downtown area of Srinagar, officials said.
Shops, offices and business establishments remained shut while traffic remained suspended around Lal Chowk and few adjacent areas.

The restrictions in these areas were imposed due to apprehensions that separatist groups might attempt to stage anti-national protests during the 10th Muharram processions on Sunday, they said.

Police and CRPF personnel were deployed in large numbers in these areas to prevent any unlawful incident.

Last Friday, three policemen and a woman were injured in sporadic clashes that broke out in parts of the city after security personnel tried to stop Shia mourners from taking out Muharram processions, even as one person made a self- immolation attempt in protest.

However, these processions were banned in 1990 as authorities feared that militants can attack the processions.