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Day 36: Restrictions eased in Kashmir, normal life hit

MAJID NABI. Dated: 9/10/2019 2:41:14 AM

Muhurram processions taken out in Srinagar

SRINAGAR, Sep 9: With restrictions eased ‘almost’ everywhere in Kashmir, normal life continued to remain disrupted in the restive valley due to spontaneous shutdown on 36th day today amid communication blockade.
An uneasy calm prevailed in Kashmir a day after the authorities re-imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar to prevent Muharram processions commemorating martyrdom anniversary of grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) who along with his 72 companions including family members attained martyrdom during battle of Karbala.
Posse of police and paramilitary forces were deployed at Shia majority areas of the city to prevent mourners from taking out Muharram processions on 8th Muharram-ul-Haram (Sunday). Police also quelled several processions in Srinagar including Lal Chowk as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.
Youth protesting against curbs on Muharram processions were taken into custody, according to news agencies.
Shia Muslims today, however, managed to take out Muharram procession from Gawakadal to Basant Bagh amid restrictions in the adjoining areas. Mourning processions were also taken out from Shamswari Khanqah in old city.
A senior official wishing anonymity said that stringent restrictions would be imposed in Kashmir today in view of 10th Muharram the day when grandson of prophet Muhammad (SAW) attained martyrdom. He said the decision to impose restrictions was taken to avoid law and order situation.
Pertinently, the authorities did not allow Muharram processions in Srinagar and elsewhere this year given the prevailing situation which arises in the aftermath of abrogation of provisions of Article 370 and bifurcation of state into two union territories last month.
While markets and other business establishments remained closed across Kashmir, public transport was off the roads. However, thin movement of private vehicles continues to be seen on the roads. Attendance in government offices, banks, courts and post offices was recorded thin.
Fruit and vegetable sellers, however, had set up their stalls at few areas in Civil Lines and uptown localities.
Although the administration claimed to have restored landline telephone service across the Valley, other modes of communication including mobile calling service, broadband and mobile internet continued to remain suspended in Kashmir on 36th running day.
Meanwhile, the interiors at few places in old city continued to remain sealed with barricades and razor wires amid thick deployment of police and paramilitary forces.