55 Shia mourners detained in Srinagar

23 March 2002
The Times of India
PTI 

SRINAGAR: Police on Saturday detained 55 Shia mourners who were taking out processions in violation of the prohibitory orders in Srinagar. Moharram processions have been banned in the city ever since the start of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Small groups of Shia mourners appeared at the Pratap Park, Exchange Road and Polo Ground and tried to proceed towards Dalgate. However, the police swung into action and tried to stop them. The Shia youths turned violent and clashed with the police, forcing them to use batons and fire teargas shells. Fifteen people were arrested and lodged in the Kothibagh police station, the sources said, adding those who escaped arrest reached Dalgate and pelted stones on the cops. As the clashes were going on, more Shia youths reached Dalgate and tried to take out a procession, following which the police resorted to lathi-charge and used teargas shells. The police detained 40 of them, the sources said, adding that the clashes disrupted normal activities at Dalgate and other adjoining areas, as shopkeepers pulled down shutters and public transport was diverted to other routes.