Srinagar / Muharram 2019: No Muharram procession allowed in Kashmir, curfew-like restrictions back in Srinagar

The authorities have imposed strict restrictions in parts of Srinagar on Tuesday to hold back Muharram processions in the Valley.

The police have sealed roads leading to Srinagar and tightened security while banning Muharram processions in the Kashmir Valley. Curfew-like restrictions have been imposed in areas dominated by Shias.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration had earlier said no Muharram procession will be allowed and all rituals are to be performed in respective Imambaras or shrines.

A top government official said the administration will follow the past precedence and not allow any procession as these could be used by anti-social elements to trigger clashes with security forces.

The official said all respectable citizens of the Shia community have been conveyed to carry out their religious duties at local Imambaras during the 10- day-long period. The Shia community observes mourning during these 10 days which began on September 1.

Muharram processions have not been allowed in Kashmir since 1990, when militancy broke out in the valley.

As a gesture, the administration has shifted some Shia leaders including former minister Imran Ansari from the detention centre at Centaur Hotel to their homes.