Srinagar: The J&K administration led by LG Manoj Sinha, in consultation with law enforcement agencies has jointly decided to continue disallowing 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar’s dalgate area over apprehension in disturbance of law and order situation and a “possibility of breaking out of any sectarian clashes”, reported GNS news agency.
Watch: Why Muharram Remains Banned In Kashmir
“It was unanimously decided by the administration with officers of law enforcement agencies to bar the processions for the larger benefit of public,” an official said.
“There is every apprehension that the miscreants may try to disturb the prevailing peace and calm which may further deteriorate the things.” “To be on the safer side, no such activity will be allowed that may come at the cost of public peace and tranquility”, the official said.
Earlier, the LG administration was mulling to lift the ban and held a meeting with the religious leaders during which Imran Reza Ansari walked out of the meeting on Monday.
On Tuesday, Div Com Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said the administration was serious on lifting the decades-old ban.
Notably, the announcement to maintain restrictions on the Muharram procession comes barely hours after the top Shia cleric, Imran Reza Ansari said “Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said that government was serious on lifting decades restrictions on Muharram processions on two routes in Srinagar areas and that ball is in the Shia community court, who have been asked to provide details about number of people participating in the procession.
”My Answer is A sea of humanity converges on the roads on the occasion of Ashura. Azadars mostly from Shia community and people from other communities also take part in these processions (sic.).” “Ashura marks the day of martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) and ironically nobody can beforehand give details of the number of people that will participate in the procession”, he said in a tweet.
It is pertinent to mention that the two main processions of the holy Islamic month were banned in 1990s when armed rebellious against India intensified in the divided Himalayan region of Kashmir.
(GNS)