Indian authorities impose curbs in two Baramulla villages ahead of religious observance
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, authorities have imposed restrictions in two villages of Baramulla to prevent religious congregation scheduled on the 21st of Ramzan, marking the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Imam Ali (RA).
According to Kashmir Media Service, an order issued by District Magistrate Baramulla said that Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) will come into force in Mirgund and Mirchimar villages of Tehsil Singhpora from 8 PM on Tuesday to 9:30 PM on Wednesday.
The order said that, in order to maintain peace and prevent any imminent threat to life and property, all gatherings of four or more persons and processions have been banned in the area. The use of loudspeakers or any sound-amplifying devices has also been prohibited.
Occupation authorities claimed that the restrictions were imposed following a report by Senior Superintendent of Police, Baramulla, which pointed to a long-standing dispute between rival factions over the jurisdiction of an Imam Bargah and a mosque.
They further claimed that certain elements might exploit the congregations planned for the 21st of Ramzan, potentially leading to a breach of peace.
It is pertinent to mention that Shia Muslims traditionally take out Youm-e-Ali processions on the 21st of Ramzan. One such procession was scheduled to begin from Imambargah Mirgund and proceed to Imambara Mirchimar under the leadership of Moulvi Masroor Abbas Ansari of J&K Itihad-ul-Muslimeen. However, since the organization has been banned by the Indian government, the IIOJK administration has disallowed any activities associated with it.
