Kashmir: Curfew-Like Restrictions Reimposed In Many Areas, Muharram Processions Banned

Curfew-like restrictions were reimposed on Tuesday in several parts of Kashmir to foil any plans on taking out Muharram processions in the Valley. Restrictions have been in several parts of Kashmir as a precautionary measure for maintaining law and order in the Valley, officials said. Large number of security force personnel were deployed in the city.

Muharram, the first month of Islamic calendar is considered the second holiest month, after Ramadan among Muslims. Shia and Sunni Muslims mourn the death of Hussain Ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad and his family. Shia's begin mourning from the first night of Muharram and continue for ten nights.         

Tensions are high in Kashmir after New Delhi on August 5 announced abrogation of provisions of Article 370 and decided to bifurcate the state into Union territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh - hours after Kashmir was placed under a total clampdown. 

The authorities have been imposing restrictions in vulnerable areas of the Valley every Friday, apprehending that vested interests might exploit the large gatherings at big mosques and shrines to fuel protests.

Meanwhile, normal life remained severely affected in Kashmir due to shutdown in the Valley which entered 37^th day on Tuesday.

Markets and other business establishments remained closed while public transport was off the roads across the Valley, the officials said.

Most of the top-level and second-rung separatist politicians have been taken into preventive custody while mainstream leaders, including three former chief ministers—Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti—have also been either detained or placed under house arrest.

On Monday, as many as eight persons involved with terror module of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit were arrested from Jammu and Kashmir's Sopore. A preliminary investigation has been launched in connection to the incident and the individuals are being interrogated, Police said.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Curfew-like restrictions reimposed on Tuesday in several parts of Kashmir.
• Tensions are high in Kashmir after New Delhi on August 5 announced abrogation of provisions of Article 370.
• Muharram, the first month of Islamic calendar is considered the second holiest month, after Ramadan.