Barring an area, no restrictions in Srinagar civil lines

Srinagar: Barring an area around the Abi Guzar Imambara, there was no restriction in  the  civil lines in Srinagar on Thursday, “Ashoora” the tenth day of Islamic month of  Muharram when members of Shia mourners were taking out Tazia processions  to remember the martyrs of Karbala.

However, large number of security forces and police personnel have been deployed in the civil lines, including historic Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of the city to prevent any Ashoora procession, banned by the administration since 90s as a precautionary measure.

All roads leading to Imambara at Abi Guzar in the city have been closed with barbed wire and by parking bullet proof vehicles in the middle of roads to prevent people from assemble there.

Shia sects of Muslims were taking out a Tazia procession from Imambara Abi Guzar before it was banned in 90s. The procession was culminating in the Zadibal Imambara in the evening after passing through civil lines, old city and down town.

Large number of security forces have been deployed this time too to prevent mourners to assemble in the Abi Guzar Imambara.

However, nearby areas, including historic Lal Chowk, Budshah Chowk, Regal Chowk and Residency road there were no restrictions. Majority shops and business establishments are open and traffic plying normally. Government offices, banks and other institutions remained closed on account of holiday today.

On eighth day of Muharram on August 17 majority roads were closed in the city to prevent any procession from Guru Bazar to Dalgate. Police burst  teargas shells and resorted to lathicharge to disperse the mourners who defied restrictions and tried to took out procession at several places in the city.

Muharram processions were being taken out in the areas where Shia sects of Muslims are residing, including central Kashmir district of Badgam and down town Srinagar.

The administration had announced to allow Muharram processions in the civil lines and other parts of Srinagar this time. However, the Shia organizations and leaders questioned the timing of allowing Muharram procession at time when no congregational prayers are being allowed in historic Jamia Masjid, Assar-e-Sharief Hazratbal, which houses the Holy Relic of Prophet Muhammad and other worship places in the valley.

Later, Union Administration issued a fresh order  said that maximum number of people permitted to attend any indoor or outdoor gathering shall be restricted to 25 persons only.

UNI