No Tazia procession allowed in Kashmir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 10

For the first time in the last 30 years, the Jammu and Kashmir government did not allow any Tazia processions anywhere in the Valley, sparking anger among the Shia community.

This follows the curfew-like restrictions that were re-imposed in most parts of Kashmir to prevent the Shia mourners to take out processions. Additional police and Central armed police forces were mobilised to maintain order in the Valley. All roads leading to Shia-dominated localities were blocked by concertina wires. No civilian movement was allowed in the restricted areas.

The mourners, however, tried to defy restrictions at Alamgari Bazar in Srinagar.

The authorities had apprehensions that some people may take advantage of the Tazia processions and turn religious gatherings into anti-India protests at a time when the Valley is on edge over the scraping of the special status to J&K. A few days back, a few mourners were injured in clashes in old city.

An official spokesperson said the restrictions in view of the imposition of Section-144 of the CrPC and in order to avoid any loss to life and property, the government has decided to disallow ‘Ashoora processions’ on the 10th day of Muharram in Srinagar district. The authorities also banned processions on the eighth and ninth days of Muharram.

Due to the restrictions, it was a muted Muharram for the Shia Muslims across the Valley. A few black flags were hoisted by the Shia community in some parts of the Valley.

The authorities, however, claimed that small gatherings were allowed in ‘Imambarahs’ in many parts of the Valley.

Meanwhile, normal life was affected on the 37th day due to continued shutdown against abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A in J&K.