Curbs in Srinagar to prevent Muharram rallies

Srinagar, August 7

Authorities on Sunday imposed curfew-like restrictions in Srinagar city to prevent members of the Shia community from taking out Muharram processions to mark the eighth day of the 10-day mourning period, officials said.

Authorities had disallowed the procession citing incidents of violence in the past. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Srinagar, Rakesh Balwal, said restrictions on the movement and assembly of people were imposed in eight police station areas of the Srinagar city to maintain law and order.

Restrictions on the movement and assembly of people had been imposed in several areas of the Srinagar city to maintain law and order, officials said. Security forces have been deployed in strength to prevent any untoward incident. Shops and other business establishments in the areas, where restrictions are in place, were shut, while public transport was off road, the officials said.

District authorities decided that processions related to Muharram on Guru Bazar towards Buchwara and Abi Guzar towards Zadibal routes respectively would not be allowed keeping in view public security and law and order.

Citing past incidents of violence, the Srinagar deputy commissioner (DC) said law and order and security concern was the top priority of the government keeping in view the larger public interest and safety of the people. “In view of the above stated facts and circumstances read in conjunction with the reports of intelligence agencies thereof, the processions cannot be allowed on Guru Bazar toward Buchwara and Abi Guzar towards Zadibal routes respectively,” the order said.

It said that upon analysis of reports and data from different security agencies with regard to past incidents which have occurred during Muharram, “it is evident that not only there has been breach in peace and law and order, but also there have been sectarian clashes which have resulted in breach of peace and threat to maintenance of law and order and also resulted in damage to public property and injuries to civilians and security forces as well”.

The district magistrate said that alternate routes for conducting Muharram processions had already been provided. He warned that in case of violation, security agencies would take cognisance of the matter under the law.

The traditional Muharram procession, to mark the eighth day of Muharram mourning period, used to pass through these areas, but has been banned since the eruption of militancy in 1990, as authorities maintain that the gatherings have been used for propagating separatist politics. — PTI

Admn cites past incidents

• The administration of Srinagar says analysis of data from different security agencies with regard to past incidents shows that not only has there been breach in peace and law and order, but there have also been sectarian clashes.
• The Muharram procession has been banned since the start of militancy in 1990, as the authorities maintain that gatherings have been used for propagating separatist politics.

Alternative routes

Routes other than Guru Bazar and Abi Guzar have already been provided for Muharram processions. Srinagar DC

Curbs in many areas

Restrictions were imposed in jurisdictions of eight police stations in Srinagar city near the prohibited route. Rakesh Balwal, SSP

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