Muharram: Curfew-like restrictions in Srinagar

Curfew-like restrictions were imposed in Srinagar city today to prevent people from taking out Muharram processions to mark the eighth day of the 10-day mourning period.

Strict prohibitory orders under section 144 were imposed in the areas falling under Shaheed Gunj, Batamaloo, Shergarhi, Karan Nagar, Maisuma, Ram Munshi Bagh, Kothi Bagh, Kralkhud and Parimpora police stations of the city, an official spokesperson said.

He said the restrictions in these areas were imposed to maintain law and order.
Police and CRPF personnel were deployed in large numbers in areas under prohibitory orders to prevent any unlawful activity.

Before the onset of militancy, the Shia community of the city used to take out processions from Abi Guzar in Kothibagh and Guru Bazaar in Kralkhud police station areas which culminated at Dalgate in Ram Munshi Bagh area to mark the eighth day of the 10-day Muharram mourning period.

However, these were banned in 1990 as authorities feared that militants can attack the processions.