The Jammu Kashmir Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Shia mourners for raising Palestine and Hezbollah flags and slogans during the 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar.
According to sources, the slogans and flags were part of the traditional Muharram observance commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain.
The police cited concerns that these actions could incite unrest and disturb public order.
The FIR, filed at Kothibagh Police Station under FIR no 36/2024, includes charges under sections 2223 and 152 of BNS Sections and 13 UAPA.
A top police officer confirmed the details to Kashmir Dot Com but did not disclose the identities of those named in the FIR. The investigation is ongoing.
In the meantime, the police have urged the public to refrain from activities that could disrupt communal harmony during the sensitive period of Muharram. Shia mourners had gathered in large numbers on Monday for the 8th Muharram procession, following the traditional Guru Bazaar-Dalgate route.
The event saw a massive turnout, with mourners clad in black attire and carrying religious banners to commemorate Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The procession had been banned for 34 years, from the start of the insurgency in Kashmir in 1989 until 2023. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Vidhi Kumar Birdi, monitored the procession until its culmination.
Member of Parliament from Srinagar, Aga Syed Ruhulla Mehdi, termed the police action as “unwarranted and an assault on freedom of expression.” He demanded the immediate release of those allegedly arrested.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Ruhulla wrote, “The Jammu and Kashmir police have arrested several youths for raising slogans in favor of the people of Palestine and carrying the Palestinian flag in a Muharram procession yesterday in Srinagar. This is an assault on freedom of expression, especially an expression in favor of the oppressed people. As conveyed through telephonic conversation, the police should release these men and avoid treating them as criminals.”