Ashura processions in Kashmir

Kashmir Police baton charging mourner

Ashura processions in Kashmir mark the Day of Ashura commemorating the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali in the Battle of Karbala.[1] However major mourning processions in the state have been banned by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir since the 1990s when such processions often turned into pro-freedom protests.[2] Smaller processions are permitted in some Shia-pockets of the state, including in the districts of Baramulla, Kulgam, Leh and Kargil. However, in the state capital of Srinagar, processions are not allowed along the traditional route–that begins at Abi Guzar, passes through Maisuma, and ends at Zadibal–and the occasion is often marred by clashes between the mourners and the police.[2][3][4]

The government privately cites fear of militant strikes as a reason for the restrictions.[1] Shia leaders in the state, such as Mohammad Abbas Ansari, complain that the restrictions are discriminatory and impinge of their freedom of religion.[1][5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Islamic Republic News Agency (17 December 2010). "India: Govt clamps curfew to stop main Ashura procession in Kashmir". ReliefWeb. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
  2. 1 2 Ashiq, Peerzada (15 December 2010). "Curfew to prevent Muharram procession". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
  3. ↑ "Muharram in Srinagar marred by violence". The Telegraph. 28 December 2009. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
  4. ↑ Hamdani, Syed Imran Ali (5 November 2014). "Amid curbs on traditional route, district admin monitors Zadibal procession". GreaterKashmir.com. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  5. ↑ "Molvi Abbas denounces Ban on Ashura Processions". Scoop News. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
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