The authorities once again strictly imposed the strict curbs across the Srinagar city and elsewhere in valley as no major Ashura procession was witnessed anywhere in the capital city while as processions were peacefully held in parts of Budgam district. The police told wire service – Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that no force was used anywhere against mourners while as the day passed off peacefully.Witnesses told wire service—KNO that mourners assembled at Zadibal, Algamari Bazar, Gundhasi Bhat, Hassanabad amid strict curbs however, no major procession was held anywhere in the district. “But in Budgam and Magam, massive procession was taken out to mark Ashura (the 10th day of Muharram),” eye-witnesses told wire serviceKNO.As the Curfew-like restrictions were re-imposed by the authorities on Tuesday in several parts of Kashmir, including the Srinagar city, to foil any plans of taking out the Muharram processions in the Valley as authorities apprehended that large congregations might lead to law and order situation.Locals told wire service KNO that the Commercial hub of Lal Chowk and adjoining areas were completely sealed off by placing concertina wires as thick deployment of the forces were seen at all major entry and exit points of the area. However, restrictions have been in several parts of Kashmir as a precautionary measure for maintaining law and order in the Valley.
The processions stand banned in Kashmir since 1990 when armed insurgency began. The authorities have been imposing restrictions in vulnerable areas of the Valley every Friday, apprehending that vested interests might exploit the large gatherings at big mosques and shrines to fuel protests. Meanwhile, normal life remained severely affected in Kashmir due to shutdown in the Valley which entered 37th day on Tuesday.Muharram is considered as one of the sacred months of the Islamic lunar calendar. The battle of Karbala, in which Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) - the grandson of the Prophet (PBUH) had attained martyrdom is said to have been taken place in the 7th century. Many family members and close companions of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) were also martyred in the battle of Karbala.Kashmir has been under the tight grip of curbs in the wake of scrapping of article 370 on August 05 as life continues to remain badly affected. There is a very thin attendance in schools while as public transport continues to remain off the roads even as train and mobile services continue to remain suspended for the 37th straight day. Meanwhile, media men told wire service KNO that they were not allowed to cover the Muharram procession by security forces personnel deployed at length in Srinagar, especially in old city. (KNO)