Baramulla- The district administration in Baramulla imposed strict restrictions in Mirgund, Mirchimar, and surrounding areas on Saturday to prevent the traditional Yaum-e-Ali procession on the 21st of Ramazan, citing security concerns.
The ban, enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS), was in effect from 8 PM on March 21 to 9 PM on March 22, prohibiting public gatherings, processions, and the use of loudspeakers.
Authorities blocked the gates of Imambargah Hazrat Abbas at Mirgund and sealed all entry points to the venue of Majlis. They justified the move by pointing to potential clashes between two factions of the Shia community in the area, referencing a recent escalation of tensions on March 4.
Additionally, the restrictions followed the recent government ban on Jammu and Kashmir Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen, an organization that traditionally led the annual procession. Some members of a ‘rival’ party had also vowed to stop the mourning procession from entering Mirchmar, further intensifying the tension.
Residents were urged to comply with the directives to maintain peace, with officials warning of strict action against any violations. However, the decision was met with outrage from the majority of Shia community, who viewed it as an infringement on their religious rights.
Maulana Masroor Abbas Ansari who usually leads the procession and delivers sermon on the occasion was placed under house arrest
“This is a historic procession that predates the inception of Ittehadul Muslimeen. Our organization is 65 years old, but this tradition has existed for over a century. Some malicious elements opposed the procession, and instead of stopping them, the authorities chose to ban the historic majlis and procession,” he said.
Ansari further said that restrictions were imposed even a day before the scheduled event, preventing devotees from offering night prayers during the sacred Shab-e-Qadr nights. “This is deeply saddening and regrettable,” he added.
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