Srinagar : Authorities Friday imposed strict restrictions in parts of Kashmir capital Srinagar to foil the Muharram processions and erected barricades and laid concertina wires at the exit and entry points of sensitive areas. Restrictions were also imposed in Shia dominated areas particularly in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district where according to reports curfew like situation was seen.
Sources told KNT that Police imposed restrictions in the civil-lines areas of the city parts of Shia dominated area of down town and closed all the main roads with barbed wire. Additional police and CRPF personnel were deployed across the city. No vehicular traffic was allowed from Batamaloo to Dalgate.
Traffic jams were witnessed in different areas of civil lines areas including Ram Bagh, Abdullah Bridge, Raj Bagh Convent Road.
Leading Shia organization Anjuman Shari Shian had appealed mourners not to take out any Muharram procession in wake of Covid-19 pandemic, however, a section of mourners defied that appeal a couple of days ago and took out a massive procession in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district. Police came under sharp criticism after it fired tear-smoke shells to disperse mourners.
“We don’t want to take any chance and for that reason restrictions have been imposed. There are people who follow SOP’s and understand the gravity of the situation but yet, you can’t control everyone,” said a police official adding that a couple of people tried to hit out roads, who were immediately dispersed.
Since 1990, the government hasn’t allowed the 8th day Muharram procession in the city as they say that these processions would lead to law and order problems in the city. In wake of Covid-19 pandemic, authorities are keen to enforce Covid norms.
In Batamaloo area of Srinagar city, some mourners hit to roads and tried to proceed towards Dalgate, however, police disperse them peacefully.
The 8th Muharram procession culminates at Dalgate Imambara. The area has been sealed and no one is being allowed to move towards Dalgate area of Srinagar city. (KNT)
