70 Shia Muslims detained in Kashmir

By Rizwan Khatik - Tue Dec 06, 3:18 am

Srinagar: Police forces have attacked people at Shia Muslim religious processions, arresting at least 70 in the Indian-administered Kashmir.

Thousands of Shias mourning the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammad’s grandson, Imam Hussain, in Srinagar were attacked by police trying to disperse the crowds by using batons, tears gas and water cannons, the AP reported.

Police have imposed a curfew in some parts of Srinagar to prevent the gatherings during the month of Muharram from turning to anti-India protests.

There have been no reports of injuries so far.

In Kashmir, the religious processions, marking the anniversary of Imam Hussein’s martyrdom on the tenth day of Muharram, Ashura, have been banned since 1989.

Kashmir has been the scene of violent clashes between Indian security forces and local protesters in recent years.

Over the past three years, Kashmir has witnessed a transition from a violent struggle to peaceful demonstrations and strikes, but the police use the same tactics to deal with the protestors.

Kashmir lies at the heart of more than 60 years of hostility between India and Pakistan. Both countries claim the region in full but have partial control over it.

Thousands of people have been killed in Kashmir over the past 20 years.

Press tv