Authorities Disallow Aashura Processions In Srinagar

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Sep, 2018 ) :The authorities disallowed Aashura processions in Srinagar, today, after subjecting the mourners to brute force and arresting scores of them including Hurriyat leaders who were scheduled to lead them.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Juma prayers also could not be held at the historic Jamia Masjid and other mosques in the city due to restrictions. The authorities had created curfew-like situation in Nowhatta, Khanyar, Safa Kadal, Maharaj Gunj, Kothibagh and Rainawari areas while deploying Indian troops and paramilitary personnel in strength across the city. However, hundreds of mourners defying restrictions reached Lal Chowk and tried to take out an Aashura procession. Indian police arrested several of them including Hurriyat leader, Nisar Hussain Rathar, near Badshah Chowk. The police subjected to brute force another procession taken out from Aabi Guzar area. Some mourners were reportedly injured in the police action.

The traditional Muharram procession has been banned in Srinagar since 1989.

Meanwhile, thousands of mourners including women participated in big Aashoora processions in Budgam and other areas of the territory. Senior APHC leader and the President of Anjuman Sharie Shian, Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi Al-Safvi, led one such procession that started from Baab-ul-ilm Mirgund and culminated at Markazi Imambara in Budgam.

Earlier, the authorities placed the Chairman of Hurriyat forum, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, under house arrest in Srinagar, today morning. He was scheduled to deliver a sermon in Narwara area of city on the occasion of Aashura and pay tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and other martyrs of Karbala.

The police arrested the Chairman of Islami Tanzeem-e-Azadi Jammu and Kashmir, Abdul Samad Inqilabi, after raiding his house in Pattan area of Baramulla, last night. The police also vandalized the household goods and harassed the inmates.