Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Sept 10: Authorities today continued curfew like restrictions in Srinagar and other towns of the Valley to prevent Moharram processions by Shia Muslims on the occasion of 10th Moharram.
The normal life in Valley continued to remain disrupted for 37th day today since August 5 when Article 370 which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir was abrogated.
The curfew like restrictions in Srinagar continued for fourth consecutive day today to prevent Moharram procession by Shia Muslims. Security forces closed all Srinagar city roads with concertina razor wire and iron barricades.
Police and CRPF were, however, allowing movement of many at these barricades except in Shia areas of city including Zadibal and Alamgari Bazar and Bemina areas of Srinagar. However, in the morning the restrictions were tight and movement was not allowed at most of the barricades. Security forces announced curfew like restrictions this morning and asked the people to stay indoors.
In Zadibal area, some Shia mourners tried to carry out procession in the areas but they were intercepted by police and CRPF. Security forces fired teargas to disperse them. They, in return, pelted stones, leading to clashes.
Large numbers of Shia Muslims were trying to get into Zadibal area to take part in Moharram procession but they were prevented by the security forces who had sealed all the roads with concertina wire and iron barricades.
Normally tens of thousands of Shia mourners would gather in Zadibal area from different parts of Kashmir to take part in the Moharram procession on 10th which was being allowed by the authorities even during the worst years of militancy. But this is for the first time that they were not allowed to carry out Moharram procession.
There were also restrictions in Shia dominated Budgam town to prevent Shia procession. The town is under restrictions for last few days to prevent Moharram procession. However, in Magam, hundreds of Shia Muslims gathered in the town and carried out Moharram procession.
Markets and other business establishments remained closed while public transport was off the roads across the Valley today. People mostly stayed indoors due to heightened security.
Landline telephone services have been restored across the Valley but it is very difficult to get through as most of the times network is busy. The mobile telephony and internet services remain suspended since August 5 which is affecting the work of journalists, students and businessmen.
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