Authorities yesterday tightened a month-long security lockdown in Jammu and Kashmir’s main city of Srinagar after breaking up religious processions by Shias who defied a ban.
A military clampdown was imposed in Kashmir from August 5 to prevent unrest as New Delhi revoked the region’s autonomy, with mobile phone networks and the Internet still cut off in all but a few pockets.
Police drove around the city from early yesterday, announcing through loudhailers that “residents are informed not to venture out of their homes”.
“Strict action under law would be taken against violators,” they added.
Suhail Ahmed, a local resident, said that there have been frequent clashes in the area for last three to four days as troops have been trying to block the procession.
“We hear deafening sounds of tear gas being fired for last few evenings. We mostly stay indoors but the gas comes into our homes making it difficult to sleep,” Ahmed said.
Shia processions and rallies during Muharram have been banned in Kashmir since the outbreak of insurgency against New Delhi’s rule in 1989, on grounds that the rituals could be used to stoke anti-India sentiment.
At least two small protests were seen yesterday morning by between eight to 10 Shias, who were quickly detained and taken away in police vehicles.
Police were also seen hitting themmourners with bamboo sticks.
Witnesses said they saw at least six more similar protests, with police also detaining the participants.
Locals said the processions have taken on a political aspect this year after India’s controversial autonomy decision.
On Saturday, four local journalists were injured while covering a protest involving up to 5,000 demonstrators, one of the biggest gatherings since the lockdown was imposed.
One journalist said his camera lens was broken and another had visible marks on his body after he was allegedly hit with bamboo sticks by security personnel.
Security forces also fired tear gas and live ammunition in the air.
Authorities had loosened the curfew in parts of Srinagar gradually in recent weeks but began to enforce it again from Friday.
Yesterday’s clampdown was one of the tightest since August 5.
While barricades had been manned by up to three paramilitary troopers, there were now up to 10.
The tightened security measures came a day after National Security Adviser Ajit Doval said the lifting of communication restrictions in Kashmir depended on Pakistan stopping fomenting unrest there.
“Reasonable restrictions are necessary for peace and protection of life,” Doval had said.
Meanwhile thousands of young men have turned up for an army recruitment drive in Kashmir despite the widespread curbs.
The drive that started on September 3 is being held on the outskirts of Reasi town. It will end today.
According to army sources, more than 29,000 men have registered for the recruitment drive.
The men are aged between 17 and 21 years and have been travelling to the selection venue from various districts of the state.
Officials said the candidates appearing in the drive were not only driven by passion but have expressed desire to selflessly serve their motherland.
“It was a passion, dream and goal since my childhood to join the armed forces. That’s the reason I am here,” said a candidate.
Paramilitary troopers stop motorcyclists during a strict curfew in Lal Chowk area of Srinagar yesterday.
