India imposes curfews in Kashmir after clashes during religious procession

Monday, 9 September 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Buses are parked at a bus station during restrictions, after scrapping of the special constitutional status for Kashmir by the Indian government, in Srinagar, August 26, 2019 - Reuters

SRINAGAR (Reuters): India yesterday imposed curfews in several parts of the contested Kashmir region, after clashes between security forces and Shi’ite Muslims taking part in a procession, officials and eyewitnesses said.

At least 12 locals and six troops were injured on Saturday evening, officials told Reuters, as the worshippers on the traditional mourning procession of Muharram clashed with troops trying to stop it.

Troops used tear gas and pellet guns on the crowd, which insisted on carrying on with the procession, one in a series held at this time of the year, and pelted stones at security forces, an Indian official who declined to be named told Reuters.

“The clashes continued till late night during which the troops fired tear gas and pellets,” he added.

A spokeswoman for India’s Interior Ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

“Reasonable restrictions are necessary for peace and protection of life,” India’s national security adviser had said on Saturday, accusing Islamabad of trying to stoke violence in the region.

Kashmir, a mountainous Muslim-majority region claimed by both India and Pakistan, has been the site of frequent altercations between security forces and locals protesting against New Delhi’s decision to revoke special rights for the portion of the territory that it controls on 5 August.

The most recent clashes occurred in Rainawari and Badgam, two Shi’ite majority areas of Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir’s main city.

The 5 km (3 mile) procession route that passes through the city centre has been barricaded by armed troops wearing helmets and bulletproof vests.

Yesterday, Police vans fitted with loud speakers announced curfew-like restrictions in Srinagar’s city centre Lal Chowk and adjacent areas, according to two Reuters witnesses.

“People are advised to stay indoors and not venture out of their home,” the Police announced. Muharram is the first month of the year according to the Muslim lunar calendar, and traditionally processions are held for the first 10 days of the month to observe the death of Prophet Muhammad’s nephew Imam Hussein, killed in battle in 680.

Shi’ite Muslims typically intensify their expression of suffering on the Ashura day, that this year falls on Tuesday.