Restrictions cripple life in Srinagar

Muharram processions foiled – No restrictions today: IGP

Authorities Sunday imposed restrictions in several Srinagar areas to thwart Muharram processions. Police said the day passed off peacefully and there shall be no restrictions in the city areas on Monday.

Police and paramilitary forces had erected barricades in several areas of the summer capital to restrict the movement of police and traffic. The restrictions were imposed in areas falling under Police Stations ShaheedGunj, Maisuma, Kothibagh, Batamaloo, Ram MunshiBagh and Karan Nagar.
Eyewitness and reports said roads were blocked with concertina wire at TRC Crossing, Dalgate, Karan Nagar, Amira Kadal Jahangir Chowk, BudshahChowk, Maisuma, AbiGuzar and Footbridge.
Despite barricades, the Shia mourners took out processions in several localities.
Reports said groups of mourners assembled at Batamaloo on Sunday afternoon and marched towards BudshahChowk. However, police intercepted them. While a majority of them were dispersed, some were detained.
In ShaheedGunj area, forces dispersed a procession that has started from Kak Sarai.
Police also dispersed Muharram processions at ChinkralMohalla in HabbaKadal, SuthraShahi, MagarmalBagh and Tankipora. The Muharram procession at Dalgate ended peacefully.
Reports of Muharram processions taken out were received from Bemina, Karan Nagar and several other parts of Srinagar.
Due to severe restrictions, the Sunday market in LalChowk remained closed and people preferred to stay indoors.
Reports said Muharram procession was taken out in at least four places in Budgam and no untoward incident was reported.
Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, AbdulGhani Mir told Greater Kashmir that in view of law and order situation, the restrictions were imposed in Srinagar. “The day passed off peacefully as compared to situation on this day during previous years,” he said. “Unlike previous years, there was no chaos and confusion on roads as people cooperated with police.”
There will be no restrictions in Srinagar areas on Monday, the IGP said.

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