Life paralyzed in city civil lines, scores detained
SRINAGAR: Continuing the practice set by the then Governor Jagmohan in 1990, state government prevented traditional Alam sharief procession of 8th Muharram in the civil lines for the 25th consecutive year Thursday by imposing an undeclared curfew along the route. Police and paramilitary CRPF, deployed in strength from Gurubazar to Dalgate stretch, thwarted repeated attempts by mourners to assemble by resorting to cane charge and teargas shelling.
Most of the city centre right from Karan Nagar to Delegate turned into a battle zone for most part of the day with small processions, chanting Ya Hussain, being pounced upon by the police.
Scores of mourners and three policemen were injured in the day long clashes while at least 75 mourners were detained, police sources said.
Curfew like situation prevailed in uptown, where Government forces had closed all major roads by erecting concertina wires and other road blocks. However police said that this was a precautionary step to maintain law and order.
Major parts of the city, including Batmaloo, Karan Nagar, Jehangir Chowk Hari Singh High Street, Maisuma, Lal Chowk, Budshah Chowk, Abi Guzer, Residency Road and Maulana Azad Road upto Delegate-Kohankhan crossing had been sealed off by the Government forces.
Two key city bridges–Amirakadal and Budshah Bridge–had been closed with barbed wire and only men in uniform and government vehicles were being allowed.
Police said the restrictions were imposed in the areas falling under Maisuma, Ram Munshi Bagh, Karan Nagar and Shaheed Gunj police station areas.
Despite stringent restrictions, groups of mourners appeared at various places and tried to march towards Dalgate where traditional procession used to culminate.
Police used force to disperse mourners at Shaheedgunj, Batamaloo and Karan Nagar areas of Srinagar city. Soon the clashes spread to other areas as mourners emerged from small lanes giving police a tough time. Police and CRPF fried tear smoke shells and resorted to baton charge.
The mourners showed stiff resistance and tried to proceed towards Lal Chowk. Most of these mourners were dragged into waiting police vehicles and locked up in various police stations.
Clashes broke out at Dalgate after a large group of mourners assembled there and soon turned into a procession. However here again police resorted to teargas shelling creating chaos in the area.
Businesses across the city heartland remained suspended due to restrictions. Shops and business establishments remained closed while traffic was off the roads. Armoured and bunker vehicles were parked at all entry points to Lal Chowk. Schools and other educational institutions, courts and business establishments in most parts of the city remained closed due to restrictions.
The Muharram procession would traditionally start from Guru Bazar and Shaheedgunj areas of the Srinagars downtown and pass through Maulana Azad Road and to end at Dalgate. However, since 1990, authorities have disallowed Muharram processions in uptown areas restricting these to localities of downtown Srinagar.
The Shia bodies and pro-freedom leaders meanwhile have condemned the police action against mourners and have termed the ban on Muharram processions as curbs on freedom to practice religion.
Ittehadul Muslimeen leaders Maulana Abbas Ansari and Masroor Ansari who had asked people to defy restrictions and join the procession were confined to their homes late last night.
Ittehadul Muslimeen, a key constituent of the moderate Hurriyat Conference, had even approached Governor NN Vohra on Wednesday seeking his intervention for lifting the ban on the procession.
Masroor Ansari later said they tried court and even approached higher authorities with assurances that the procession would pass off peacefully.
But unjust restrictions forced them to take to streets.
PDP Leader Says, Govt Bereft of Courage, Wisdom
The outspoken PDP Member of Parliament, Tariq Hameed Karra says that, not allowing Muharram processions is serious issue that must be dealt with wisdom and courage which I guess have unfortunately taken a leave from the government right now. Muharram processions should be allowed with full state protection.
“It was unfortunate that the chief minister, Mufti Muhammad Sayeed attended the Dusherra function personally and didnt bother to pay heed to the sentiments of Muslims, Karra told Kashmir Observer.
Karra added that, it is something that wouldnt go well with the people of Kashmir.
Drawing a parallel with Amarnath Yatra, Karra said, When Yatra which is a mega event, can be managed with perfect ease, its absurd to think that a ritual that lasts for a couple of days cant be managed at all. People from all over India come to visit the Amarnath Cave and the government puts in all its resolve and commitment to make it a successful event.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Asgar Samoon on being asked this question said, Curbs are necessary to avoid any trouble. If the trouble wasnt there, the curbs wouldnt be there. I have directed the District administration to identify places where the chances of trouble are the maximum and impose restrictions accordingly.
When asked when the government kept its entire machinery available for the Yatra, and why not the same for Muharram, the Divisional Commissioner hung up. Repeated attempts to reach him couldnt materialize as the phone was switched-off
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