Restrictions imposed on Shia Muharram processions in Srinagar

Aiming to prevent sectarian clashes during the Muslim mourning month of Muharram, the Srinagar district magistrate Monday ordered restrictions on Shia Muharram processions in the city Nov 13 and 15.

Following reports from police about apprehension of sectarian clashes and anti-social elements planning to disturb peace in the city, the district magistrate ordered imposition of restrictions on the Shia Muharram processions on the two dates, official sources said.

"In Maisuma, Batmaloo, Ram Munshibagh, Kothibagh, Karan Nagar and Shaheedgunj police station areas, these restrictions under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code would remain in force Nov 13.

"On Nov 15, restrictions will remain in force in areas falling under Khanyar, Nowhatta, Safakadal and M.R. Gunj police station areas," the sources said.

Since the beginning of separatist violence in Kashmir in the early 1990s, authorities have been disallowing Muharram processions by Shias in Srinagar on the eighth and tenth days of the Muharram month.