Srinagar 29 November: Following incidents of stone pelting and sectarian clashes in old pockets of Srinagar city, the authorities on Wednesday evening announced imposition of curfew in jurisdictions of nine police stations fearing escalation in violence.
The trouble was simmering in the capital Srinagar and central district Budgam since Tuesday after rumours spread that an unknown shoe company has attempted to hurt the religious feelings of a community. The agitators alleged that name of a sacred personality has been found scribbled on shoes.
Police said that they have taken cognisance of some skirmishes between two sectarian communities in Zadibal area. “The civil and Police administration are monitoring the situation. There are no reports of anybody getting injured. However, sporadic incidents of stone pelting have been reported”, a police spokesman said.
Sources said the curfew has been imposed in nine police stations–Nowhatta, Maharaj Ganj, Safakadal, Khanyar, Rainawari, Nigeen, Khayar, Zadibal and Parimpora—to stop escalation of violence. The clashes have triggered off after the peaceful culmination of the Muharram processions in the Valley even as the authorities disallowed the processions to proceed through traditional routes. For the past two decades, the traditional tazya processions have not been allowed due to security concerns.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr Asghar Samoon confirmed imposition of curfew across nine police stations in the city. “It is a precautionary step to ensure that no untoward incidents take place in the city”, he said.
The Kashmir University postponed all examinations scheduled for Thursday (November 29). “All the Kashmir University examinations scheduled to be held tomorrow, November 29, have been postponed. Fresh dates will be notified separately”, University spokesman Showkat Shafi said.
Senior separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq condemned the attempt by a shoe making company to hurt the religious sensibilities of the Muslims around the world. He termed the attempt as unethical and anti- Islam. “Keeping in view the ongoing situation in Kashmir, the people should maintain mutual bonhomie and unity among themselves so to defeat the enemies of Islam and elements who want to destroy the unity of Kashmiris”, Mirwaiz said in a statement.