'Ashura' Day observed peacefully in J&K amid restrictions

The 'Tazia' processions ended peacefully with the highest congregation of over 40,000 mourners from various parts assembling at Imambada Zadibal, Srinagar

Amidst curfew-like restrictions in some parts of Srinagar, members of the Shia community today observed 'Ashura' day by taking out dozens of processions across the Valley.

The 'Tazia' processions ended peacefully with the highest congregation of over 40,000 mourners from various parts assembling at Imambada Zadibal in downtown Srinagar, officials said.

Braving rains, the processions started from various areas and marched towards Zadibal amid tight security arrangements.

Senior religious and political leaders of the community were also part of the processions which passed off peacefully, the officials said.

However, the authorities did not allow the procession from the traditional route- Abi Guzar in the heart of Srinagar.

Although, a group of several dozen Shia mourners made an attempt to take out the march from there but were whisked away by police, the officials said.

Peaceful processions were also reported from other Shia-dominated areas of the Valley including Budgam town, Pattan, Bandipora, Ganderbal and Baramulla districts.

There was no untoward incident reported from anywhere, the officials said.

Curfew-like restrictions had been imposed on the movement of people in six police station areas - Rainawari, Khanyar, Nowhatta, Safakadal, Maharaj Gunj and Maisuma - of the city to maintain law and order during Ashura processions.