Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir zone Vijay Kumar said the decision to disallow Muharram processions at several places was taken to “defeat the ill designs of vested interests” who try to disturb peace.
“We respect the religious sentiments and practices of all,” IGP Kashmir said in a tweet.
“But at the same time it is also our joint responsibility to defeat the ill designs of vested interest who try to disturb peaceful atmosphere,” Kumar said.
In Srinagar, Muharram processions were scheduled to be taken out from Guru Bazar area today. However, restrictions were imposed by authorities in several city areas including the commercial hub Lal Chowk and its adjoining areas.
Muharram processions in Srinagar are banned since the onset of militancy in Kashmir in 1989. They were banned by the then governor Jagmohan. Last year scores of mourners were injured in government forces’ action after they tried to take out the processions.
Pertinently, the government had announced that Muharram procession will be allowed to carry out this year after 30 years.
However, later they flip flopped on the decision and said no gatherings would be allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
