Muharram: Authorities impose strict restrictions in Srinagar’s Zadibal area

Authorities have imposed strict restrictions in the interiors of Shia dominated Zadibal area of Srinagar and blocked roads to prevent Muharram processions, reported a local news agency, Kashmir News Trust (KNT).

In Kashmir, Shia Muslims would take out mourning processions during the month before the 1990s. However, authorities fearing that the Muharram processions would turn into anti-India gatherings have banned them since the inception of militancy in the valley.

Locals told KNT that strict restrictions are in place in the interiors of Zadibal area of Srinagar. “Last year we witnessed harshest restrictions but this year too similar restrictions are in place,” said a local from Zadibal told The Kashmir Walla.

Last year, processions that would be taken in the interiors of Shia dominated areas of the Valley were banned too and the harshest curfew was imposed on the tenth of Muharram that marks the day of martyrdom of Imam Hussain.

Various religious organizations have appealed mourners to desist from taking out any procession, but a police official said that they don’t want to take any risk and in wake of COVID-19 there are strict directions from the top to ensure people follow social distancing norms. (Inputs from KNT)