Curfew-like restrictions in most parts of summer capital Srinagar threw the normal life out of gear in Kashmir on Ashoora, the commemoration day of the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Imam Hussain.
The authorities prevented the emergence of traditional tazia procession from Abi Guzar locality of Srinagar, which was a practice prior to 1988 when it was banned fearing sectarian clashes.
Shia organisations and separatists say that banning traditional tazia processions was tantamount to interfering in religious affairs but the authorities defend the decision in the backdrop of prevailing law and order situation.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who heads the moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference, was put under house arrest at his Nigeen mansion to prevent his weekly sermon in Srinagar’s Central Mosque.