Dozens of mourners lathi-charged’,detained
SNS KASHMIR,
SRINAGAR,17 AUGUST :
The state govt on Tuesday imposed strict restrictions in the Srinagar city particularly in old city to prevent Shia mourners from taking out Muharram procession in the traditional route of the city.
Restrictions were imposed on the movement of people in and around routes leading to Lalchowk causing several problems to the common peple. Police detained several mourners who tried to march towards lal chowk. Processions were taken out from Abi Guzar, chotta bazar,Batamaloo jahnagir chowk and Dalgate.
On 8th muharram processions are taken out to mark the commemoration of Imam Hussain AS” martyrdom in karbala 1400 years ago.
From innocent children,youth,women and senior citizens took part in the processions across the city. The mouners were mourning,lamenating when they tried to cross the barbed wires near Jahangir chowk. However,large number of security forces were already present there who in retaliation fired pepper gas towards mourners. Shelling on mourners was also reported from Dalgate and MA road.
On the same time, Kashmir police zone tweeted for the sentiments of mourners urging them not to give space to the vested elements.
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 interst who try to disturb peaceful atmosphere: IGP Kashmir.
The processions have, howerever not been allowed by the government in valley due to the eruption of militancy in the state since 90’s.however they are allowed to take these processions in the interiors of the old city only.
Meanwhile, in addition to processions, several blood donation camps were also set up in the memory of the martyrs of karbala.drinks, meals were provided by different govt,non-govt voluntary organizations.special medical aid were also made avaible for the mourners across the valley.(CNS)