Lifting of ban on Muharram processions in Kashmir demanded

In Kashmir, people staged a demonstration at press enclave in Srinagar demanding lifting of ban on Muharram processions in the territory.

Scores of people, mostly youth, assembled at the Press Enclave in Srinagar under the banner of Youth Development Forum Badgam and held the demonstration.“To hold and carry out the Muharram procession is our religious right which is guaranteed by the constitution. The authorities have no right to snatch our fundamental rights,” the protesters told media men.

“We demand that our sentiments and religious rights should be respected by the authorities,” they added.

It is worth mentioning here that traditionally main procession of 8th Muharram used to start in Srinagar from Shaheed Gunj and culminate at Dalgate after passing through different areas while the procession of 10th Muharram would start from Aabi Guzar and end at Zadibal. However, the authorities banned these processions in 1990 and now only small mourning rallies are allowed in selected areas.

/129