At least 10 people were injured when Shia mourners clashed with police after they were prevented from taking out Muharram procession in restricted areas in the city,police said. Muharram processions were banned in Srinagar in the wake of militancy in 1990 as authorities feared militants might attack the mourners to put the blame on security forces. Clashes broke out between a group of Shia mourners and police at Hari Singh High Street and Jehangir chowk as they tried to march towards Abi Guzar in Lal Chowk,police said. Police used batons and water canons to disperse the mourners,who turned violent and started pelting stones at the law enforcing personnel,they said. Nine protesters and a driver of a police vehicle were injured in the clashes which lasted for couple of hours. Meanwhile,over 50 protesters were detained at various parts in the city,police said. Security was beefed up to prevent Muharram procession from being taken out in the city. Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed at all entry points leading to Lal Chowk as Shia mourners had planned to stage a the procession from Abi Guzar area. The entry points were also sealed using concertina wires. Police and CRPF personnel were deployed along the banks of river Jhelum to prevent people from reaching Lal Chowk using boats,officials said. Only boats rowing from Lal Chowk side towards Rajbagh and Lal Mandi were allowed to ferry people. The PDP-led government in 2003 had allowed Muharram processions in old city areas like Zadibal,which is continuing even today.
