Restrictions in Srinagar to prevent Muharram processions

Restrictions have been imposed in several areas of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir to prevent a Shia Muharram processions, police said Sunday.

"Restrictions have been imposed in Maisuma, Kralkhud, Kothibagh, Ram Munshibagh, Shergarhi, Shaheedgunj, Karan Nagar and Batmaloo areas to maintain law and order in Srinagar," a senior police officer told IANS.

Police and Central Reserve Police Force personnel have been deployed in the areas. No vehicular movement will be allowed in the areas. Although, authorities said there is no restriction on movement during any emergency situation.

Shia Muslim mourners have been taking out Muharram processions from Guru Bazar area every year to commemorate the martyrdom of Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet of Islam. Hussain was martyred 1435 years ago with his family members in Iraq's Karbala town.

Since the beginning of separatist violence in Kashmir in the early 1990s, authorities have been disallowing Muharram processions in Srinagar to prevent miscreants from triggering sectarian clashes.