Srinagar: Strict restrictions were again imposed on Sunday in parts of Srinagar city to prevent Ashoora processions on the 10th day of first month of Islamic calendar Muharram, when Hazrat Imam Hussain, Grandson of Prophet Muhammad was martyred over 1400 years ago at Karbala in Iraq.
The divisional administration easing lock down on August 16 had announced that strict restrictions will continue on all religious processions and gatherings in all districts of the Kashmir valley.
Large number of security forces and police personnel were deployed in parts of the Srinagar city, including historic Lal Chowk, Maisum, Gaw Kadal, Basant Bagh and other areas to prevent Ashoora procession. All roads leading to Lal Chowk have been closed with barbed wire and other barricades. The main Amira Kadal bridge, connecting Hari Singh High Street (HSHS) with civil lines has been closed with barbed wire since early this morning. However, another important Budshah bridge was open though people were being questioned before allowing them to go.
Shia mourners are taking Ashoora procession from Abi Guzar Imambara in the civil lines on this day and after marching through different streets, including Maisuma, conclude in the down town. However, since the eruption of militancy in early 90s the Muharram processions are banned in Srinagar for security reasons after some separatist leaders joined the mourners.
Roads leading to Maisuma from Budshah chowk and Haji Masjid have also been closed. Similarly Exchange road, leading to UNI, Daily Jagran and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) offices was also closed.
Interestingly life elsewhere in the city, including busy business hub Batmaloo was normal with shops open and traffic also plying.
