Srinagar: Curfew-like restrictions were imposed in parts of Srinagar City, especially in Lal Chowk and the Dalgate area where Muharram processions were expected.
A large number of troops were deployed at several locations to prevent any untoward incident.
Shops and other business establishments were closed, public transport was off the roads in the places where restrictions were imposed while mobile internet services were also snapped in parts of the city.
Earlier Srinagar Administration issued an order, disallowing Muharram processions to avoid law and order problems.
The order reads, On the directions of the High Court of J&K at Srinagar, the District Magistrate Srinagar today decided that processions related to Muharram-ul-Haram 1444 (Hijri) on Guru Bazar towards Buchwara and Abi Guzar towards Zadibal routes respectively will not be allowed keeping in view public Security and law & order.
Pertinent to mention that, in a writ petition(C) No 7/2022, titled Aga Syed Mujtaba Abass V/S UT of J&K and others, the High Court had asked the competent authority to take the decision regarding the representation of the petitioners most expeditiously preferably within a period of 3 days.
In this regard, the District Magistrate, Srinagar issued a formal order here today, which cited various past incidents of violence. The order reads that, “Whereas the undersigned held a detailed meeting involving all the Field Magistrates, Police officers and leaders of Shia Community wherein they were briefed about the routes allowed/ disallowed for Muharram procession”.
The order further stated that, “Whereas, Law & order and Security concern is the top most priority of the Government of the Jammu and Kashmir keeping in view the larger public interest and safety of its citizens”.
“In view of the above stated facts and circumstances read in conjunction with the reports of Intelligence Agencies thereof, more particularly the security concerns of the District Srinagar with respect to the Muharram, the processions therein cannot be allowed on the Gurubazar toward Buchwara and Abi-Guzar towards Zadibal routes respectively, keeping in mind the public interest, law & order and security”, the order also added.
That it is witnessed from past instances/cases and upon analysis of reports/data from different security agencies with regard to incidents which have occurred during the Muharram, it is evident that not only there has been breach in peace & law and order, but also there have been Sectarian clashes which have resulted in breach of peace and threat to maintenance of law and order and also resulted in damage to public property and injuries to civilians and security forces as well.
Meanwhile, the District Magistrate(DM) has said that Administration respects the religious sentiments and practices of all, at the same time it is the joint responsibility of one and all to adhere to the security measures to ensure protection and safety of all citizens.
The DM also said that alternate routes for conducting Muharram Processions on said occasion have already been provided to perform the ceremonies peacefully. He further said in case of violation of said order Police/Security agencies will take cognisance of the matter under the Law.
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