Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 15: Amid curfew like restrictions in parts of Srinagar, Ashoora, the martyrdom of grandson of Prophet Mohammad (SAW) was observed in several parts of Kashmir valley amid tight security.
Authorities imposed curfew like restrictions in parts of Srinagar city and prevented the Shia mourners from taking out the main Ashoora procession from Abi Guzar near City Centre Lal Chowk.
However, Ashoora was observed in parts of Kashmir valley with Srinagar-Baramulla and Srinagar-Gulmarg road remaining closed due to Muharram processions.
Residents in Srinagar woke to curfew like restrictions in Srinagar city as authorities apprehended trouble during Muharram processions in parts of Srinagar.
Strict prohibitory orders under Section 144 were imposed in areas falling under Kothibagh, Maisuma, Kralkhud and Shaheedgunj police stations of the summer capital.
Due to curfew like restrictions, normal life remained paralyzed in Srinagar city. Various Shia organizations had announced that main Ashoora procession would be taken out from Abi Guzar to Zadibal Park here.
Police and CRPF had sealed all the roads leading to Lal Chowk with concertina wire. A large number of Police and CRPF men were also deployed along the banks of river Jhelum.
Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Omar Farooq, was placed under house arrest to prevent him from addressing Friday congregation at Jamia Masjid, Srinagar.
Shops, business establishments, remained closed and traffic remained off the roads due to strict restrictions in Srinagar.
Police and CRPF had blocked roads at many places including Karan Nagar, Jehangir Chowk, Iqbal Park, Tourist Reception Centre, The Bund, Abi Guzar and Budshah Chowk, with concertina wire and armoured vehicles to prevent the Shia mourners from taking out the procession.
Amid tight security arrangements, Muharram processions were taken out in Alamgari Bazaar, Balhama, Baarji Harwan, Kral Mohalla Harwan, Gulshanbagh and Lal Bazar.
Ashoora processions were taken out in Pallar, Gazi Manzil Imambada Yousufabad, Magam, Askinderpora Beerwah and Sonpah Beerwah areas of Budgam district and Bat Kallan and Malik Mohalla Dub areas of Ganderbal district.
Processions were also taken out in Delina, Dani Syeda Uri, Hanjivera, Mirgund, Pattan, Mirgund areas of Baramulla district, Inderkote, Shadipora, Nowgam Payeen and Dangerpora areas of Bandipora district.
Processions were also taken out at Wakharwan Awantipora, Panner area of Tral, Sofipora, Chatergul areas of Anantnag district and Gango, Hatkul and Hanjikhelo areas of Pulwama district Wangam Devsar areas of Kulgam district.
President Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz, former Deputy Chief Minister and PDP leader Muzaffar Beigh and JKLF chairman Yasin Malik also participated in Muharram procession at Zadibal.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) condemned the use of force and prevention of Shia community from taking out Muharram processions in parts of Srinagar. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti criticized the Government for detaining a prominent religious leader and his supporters for trying to organize a purely non political and religious gathering.
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