KL Report
Srinagar

To Protest the ban on Muharram procession on Friday, Muharram 8, a youth set himself on fire. The administration in wake of call given by Shia leaders of carrying a procession enforced restrictions around three police stations.

A youth running to bypass police contingent of police after setting himself on fire. Photo: Bilal Bahadur

Pertinent to mention, the restrictions are in place since 1990.

Amidst strict restrictions dozens of people gathered in the Batamalo area of the city and tried to take out the traditional Muharrum procession from the civil lines to Dalgate area.

Police swung into action and chased the people and arrested some of them including Nissar Hussain Rather, a  Hurriyat Conference (G) leader.

In the meantime a youth put  himself on fire and while his jacket was burning he ran to bypass the heavy police contingent shouting anti police slogans.

Police, however, took hold of him and extinguished the flames. The youth was later taken into custody. Sources said that the youth got miner burn injuries.

Many believed that the restrictions were imposed as the government  feared that the religious processions would turn into anti-India protests.

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