Muslims holding Muharram rituals in Indian-controlledKashmir despite crackdown
Shahana Butt
Press TV, Kashmir
Amid a tough security clampdown and tensions, Shia Muslims in Kashmir are observing Muharram.
Black banners with messages from the battle of Karbala appear in the summer capital, Srinagar. However, unlike previous years, this year there are fewer banners and hoardings. In the aftermath of the abrogation of Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status by New Delhi on August 5, the valley is witnessing a tough security clampdown following which all sorts of gatherings are banned.
On Tuesday, Shia mourners were met with force, after a small religious procession was held inside a Shia-dominated district in Srinagar. A police official on the basis of anonymity said these are "precautionary" measures, since there are inputs that religious processions might convert into political rallies.
People, however, accuse the government of violating the religious rights of the people.
And now people are busy observing closed-door mourning ceremonies in the absence of religious freedom.
The Muharram processions in Kashmir are as old as the religion of Islam here. Shia as well as Sunni Muslims would participate in these ceremonies as a gesture of unity among Muslims. However, political instability in the region has resulted in restrictions on such religious events.
During the holy month of Muharram, Shia Muslims hold mourning processions that mark the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (PBUH), the third Shia Imam.
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