SRINAGAR: Curfew was clamped on the communally sensitive Leh district of Ladakh after miscreants tried to disrupt the Muharram procession on Thursday. Army had to be called in to help the district administration maintain peace.
Tension mounted in the morning when miscreants pelted stones on a Muharram procession. However, police immediately swung into action and foiled any attempt to disrupt the procession. Later the Muharram procession was carried out amidst tight security.
Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Satish Nehru said "There was minor tension this morning. But later the procession ended peacefully. As a precautionary measure we have clamped the curfew."
Anticipating further trouble, the district administration later requested the Army to help them in maintaining peace. "We have sent five columns to help the district administration to maintain peace in the area. Our troops flag marched in the district," said Lieutenant Colonel Vijay Kumar Batra, defence spokesman here.
The situation has been tense for the last three days after reports that the Holy Quran was desecrated at Budh Kharubu area in Kargil district reached the district. This has created a friction between the Shia and Sunni communities. On Wednesday night, some miscreants tried to set ablaze some structures in Leh. The attempt was however foiled by police. Around 20 persons were arrested for rioting.
Deputy inspector general of police, central Kashmir range, Farooq Ahmad said, "We have made some arrests.”
