Srinagar almost under curfew to prevent Muharram procession

Authorities imposed strict security restrictions in certain areas of Srinagar on Friday to foil a Muharram procession.
 
Early on Friday morning, police and Central Reserve Police Force personnel moved to city centre Lal Chowk and adjoining areas to put in place heavy security arrangements, to prevent Shia mourners from taking out a traditional procession.
 
The procession will start from Guru Bazzar area of Srinagar and after meandering its way through the civil line areas, it will culminate at Dalgate.
 
Authorities have not allowed the procession to take place since militancy erupted in the valley in 1990.

This year, curfew-like-restrictions have been imposed in Srinagar to foil the event.
 
Due to the restrictions, life in the city has been thrown out of gear with vehicles choking all the city roads, leading to massive jams on roads leading to the city centre.
 
A senior police officer said the restrictions were imposed to maintain and law and order in Srinagar which has witnessed several anti-Israel protests in the last few days.
 
Sources said the authorities will not allow the main Muharram procession on Sunday. 

Image: Srinagar under curfew-like restrictions | Photograph: Umar Ganie