Kashmir Tense Amid Muharram Restrictions

The situation in Kashmir Valley has been tense following the restrictions imposed on civilian movement during Muharram.

Earlier, Jammu & Kashmir's administration had banned Muharram processions fearing that violence may erupt when the processions would come out. To ensure stringent barricading, troops have been deployed in Shia-dominated areas like Hasnabad, Khomeini Chowk and other areas.

This kind of restriction has caused resentment among the Shia community. They said that they have been taking out Muharram processions even in the worst situations, but this is the first time when an attempt to ban it completely has been made in the Valley.

However, despite strict vigil, attempts were made to take out Muharram processions in the last three days, which resulted in a clash with the security forces, in which four local journalists were injured while covering a protest involving up to 5,000 demonstrators, one of the biggest gatherings since the lockdown was imposed.

Leaders of organizations like All J&K Shia Association, Anjuman-e-Sharia and Ittehadul Muslimeen that used to carry out Muharram processions in the Valley are put under house arrest since the removal of Article 370.