Curfew in Srinagar After Protests Against Shia Cleric’s Execution

Authorities impose restrictions in Srinagar following plans of protest by Shias against execution of Shia cleric.

Kashmiri Shia protesters holding photograph of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr who was executed by Saudi Arabia Government. (Photo: PTI)

The authorities imposed curfew-like restrictions in parts of Srinagar on Monday after plans of a protest by the Shia community against the execution of a Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia came to light.

<p> Restrictions have been imposed today (Monday) in areas falling under the jurisdiction of Rainawari and Zadibal police stations in Srinagar. </p>

<p><b>Senior police official to<i> IANS</i></b></p>

Police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troops in full riot gear have been deployed in all law and order sensitive areas in Srinagar especially in the areas where the Shia community lives in large numbers.

Shia leader Aga Syed Hassan has appealed people to assemble at city centre Lal Chowk to protest the execution of the top Shia cleric, Sheikh Nimr Al Nimr, in Saudi Arabia.

The University of Kashmir has, however, announced that all exams scheduled for Monday will be held as per the already published date sheet.

The restrictions come a day after the Shia community came out on the streets and raised pro-Islam and pro-Nimr slogans on Sunday.

Police resorted to tear gas shelling to disperse the protesters; no one was injured in the clashes.

The execution of al-Nimr along with 46 other men, including Shia activists and Sunnis accused of involvement in deadly Al-Qaeda attacks, was announced by the Saudi interior ministry on Saturday.

(With agency inputs)