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INDIA-KASHMIR-CURFEW
Curfew-like restrictions reimposed in several parts of Kashmir
SRINAGAR, Sept 10, 2019 (BSS/PTI)- Curfew-like restrictions were reimposed
on Sunday in several parts of Kashmir, including the city, to foil any plans
on taking out Muharram processions in the Valley as authorities apprehended
that large congregations might lead to violence.
Commercial hub of Lal Chowk and adjoining areas were completely sealed off
by placing concertina wires at all entry points where a large number of
security force personnel were deployed, officials said.
Restrictions have been in several parts of Kashmir as a precautionary
measure for maintaining law and order in the Valley, they said.
The officials did not cite any reasons for reimposing restrictions but it
is believed that the step was taken to prevent Muharram processions in the
city and elsewhere in the Valley. The processions stand banned in Kashmir
since 1990 when armed insurgency began.
Muharram is considered as one of the sacred months of the Islamic lunar
calendar. The battle of Karbala, in which Hazrat Imam Hussain – the grandson
of the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) – had attained martyrdom – is said to
have been taken place in the seventh century.
Restrictions were first imposed across Kashmir on August 5 when the Centre
announced its decision to abrogate provisions of Article 370 and bifurcate
the state into union territories. The restrictions were lifted in phases from
many parts of the Valley as the situation improved with passage of time.
The authorities have been imposing restrictions in vulnerable areas of the
Valley every Friday, apprehending that vested interests might exploit the
large gatherings at big mosques and shrines to fuel protests.
Meanwhile, normal life remained severely affected in Kashmir due to
shutdown in the Valley which entered 37th day on Tuesday.
Markets and other business establishments remained closed while public
transport was off the roads across the Valley, the officials said.
Most of the top-level and second-rung separatist politicians have been
taken into preventive custody while mainstream leaders, including three
former chief ministers — Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti –
– have also been either detained or placed under house arrest.
BSS/PTI/SSS/1846 hrs