Muharram restrictions imposed to frustrate the designs of violence says IGP
By: Muzamil Bhat CK
Srinagar
On Tuesday police imposed restrictions on the Muharram processions in Srinagar city and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir zone Vijay Kumar said that these restrictions were imposed only to defeat the designs of vested interests who wanted to create trouble on the streets.
Taking to twitter IGP said, “We respect the religious sentiments and practices of all.But at the same time it is also our joint responsibility to defeat the ill designs of vested interests who try to disturb the peaceful atmosphere”.
According to the news agencies reporting about the Muharram processions they said in their news reports that in Srinagar, Muharram processions were scheduled to be taken out from Guru Bazar area today. However, restrictions were imposed by authorities in several city areas including the commercial hub Lal Chowk and its adjoining areas.
Muharram processions in Srinagar have been banned since the onset of militancy in Kashmir in 1989. They were banned by the then governor Jagmohan. Last year scores of mourners were injured in government forces’ action after they tried to take out the processions.
Pertinently, the government has announced that Muharram procession will be allowed to carry out this year after 30 years. However, later they flip flopped on the decision and said no gatherings would be allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
With inputs from agencies
