Muharram: Non-Shia religious gatherings banned

No religious organisation in AJK except for Shia groups will be allowed to hold religious meetings and congregations.

MIRPUR:

No religious organisation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) except for Shia groups will be allowed to hold religious meetings and congregations at public places in Muharram.

This was said by Mirpur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Muhammad Tayyab Chaudhry on Wednesday. He said the proposed plan, which will remain in effect for two months, is being taken to “maintain law and order during Muharram and to ensure the sanctity of Ashura.”

The DC explained that police parties will patrol sensitive areas round the clock during the month, while police contingents will be deployed at all imambargahs in Mirpur District.

In addition to that, all cinema owners and cable operators have strictly been directed not to broadcast obscene and immoral programmes.

The DC added that foreign nationals planning to visit AJK are advised to get a formal permission from AJK Home Department before their arrival.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th, 2011.