Strict restrictions in Srinagar for Muharram procession

Authorities imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar on Sunday to foil a Shia Muharram procession in the city even though small processions are being allowed in the city interior without any restrictions.

Sunday's procession was scheduled to begin from the Gurubazzar locality of uptown Srinagar in the afternoon which would culminate at Dalgate after passing through the city centre, Lal Chowk.

Early on Sunday morning authorities deployed police and paramilitary Central Reserved Police Force personnel in riot gear to enforce restrictions in the areas falling under the three police stations of Shaheedgunj, Maisuma and Kothibagh.

No movement was being allowed in the city centre Lal Chowk and road intersections have been blocked using coils of razor fitted wire.

A senior police officer told rediff.com restrictions were imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order in the capital city.

Authorities have been disallowing the traditional march on the eighth day of Muharram since the outbreak of militancy here in early 1990.

Authorities may also disallow the larger Muharram procession scheduled in Srinagar on Tuesday, sources said.