Molvi Imran Reza placed under house arrest ahead of 28th Safar, says AJKSA

August 23, 2025 by News Desk

All Jammu Kashmir Shia Association (AJKSA) President Molvi Imran Reza has been placed under house arrest, his party said in a press release.

As per the statement, Molvi Imran Ansari was placed under house arrest on Saturday night, preventing him from attending the Majlis-e-Imam Hussain (AS) at Gund Khwaja Qasim in Baramulla’s Pattan subdivision on 28th Safar, officials confirmed.

Authorities had earlier imposed precautionary restrictions in Gund Khwaja Qasim, Kanterbugh, and adjoining areas of Singhpora from 8:30 PM on August 22 to 9:30 PM on August 23. Under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)-2023, the order prohibited gatherings of four or more people, processions, use of loudspeakers without permission, and carrying of firearms.

Officials cited past confrontations between rival groups in Pattan and Magam that had led to police cases, prompting the measures. The Principal District and Sessions Court Baramulla had also directed that public gatherings on 28th Safar should be avoided to prevent disturbances.

District Magistrate Minga Sherpa described the restrictions as “precautionary,” aimed at safeguarding life and property and maintaining communal harmony.

Supporters of Molvi Ansari condemned the house arrest, saying attempts to silence Majalis and the remembrance of Imam Hussain (AS) will ultimately “echo back in this world.”