Restrictions imposed in parts of Srinagar city to prevent Muharram procession, lifted

Srinagar, Sep 20: Restrictions imposed in various parts of the summer capital, Srinagar, to prevent Muharram processions on Wednesday were lifted.

Security forces burst teargas shells and resorted to lathicharge to disperse the mourners who defied the restrictions and tried to took out a Muharram procession in the city . Muharram processions are banned in summer capital, Srinagar, since 1989 for security reasons.

However, Muharram processions were taken out in Shia dominated Badgam and other parts of the valley peacefully.

There are no restriction in any part of the city today, police said.

Additional security forces and state police personnel deployed to strictly implement the restrictions have been withdrawn. Hundreds of security forces and state police personnel were deployed in Srinagar, particularly in the areas falling under police station Maisuma, Kothibagh, Shaheedjung and Ram Munshi Bagh beside Batamaloo and Kral Khud on Wednesday.

Business and other activities resumed on Thursday on Moulana Azad road, Residency road, historic Lal Chowk the nerve centre of the city, Budshah Chowk, Court road and other business hubs in the city.

Life also returned to normal in Dalgate, Batmaloo, Jehangir chowk and other areas in the summer capital, where shops and other business reopened this morning. Work in government offices, banks and other institutions also reopened on Thursday , Educational institutions also are open.

The authorities have banned any Muharram procession in the city for security reasons since 1989 when separatist leaders besides Sunni sect of muslims joined the procession.

However, Muharram processions are being taken out regularly in the down town and other parts of the valley.