Srinagar, Mar 13: Prominent Shia leader and executive member of Hurriyat Conference, Moulana Mohammad Abbas Ansari, today accused the Jammu and Kashmir government of discriminating against Muslims by banning Muharram procession but facilitating Amarnath Yatra. "If arrangements are being made for smooth conduct of Amarnath Yatra of Hindus, one is unable to understand why religious processions of Muslims are being banned,” Ansari told reporters here today.
He said that he was not against Amarnath pilgrimage but wanted to know why only Muslim processions were banned.


The Hurriyat leader also accused the PDP government of creating a Shia-Sunni divide.
"Any attempt to create a wedge between the two would not be tolerated,” he said adding that Sunni and Shias have enjoyed coordial relations for decades.

Ansari also alleged that the government was making false claims about power and water supply in Shia dominated areas for Muharram.
"Nothing has been done and infact attempts are being made to create a rift among Shia and Sunni Muslims,” he said.

Ansari alleged that police used "excessive force" on mourners who were detained while trying to take out a Muharram procession yesterday defying a ban.

Bureau Report