Pakistan could trigger Shia-Sunni violence on Muharram: Intel inputs

Ahead of Muharram, Pakistan could attempt to trigger Shia-Sunni clashes to disturb peace in the Kashmir, according to new intelligence inputs.

Pakistan could attempt to trigger Shia-Sunni clashes ahead of Muharram on September 10 to disrupt peace in the Kashmir Valley after the abrogation of Article 370, according to new intelligence inputs.

The Shia community observes Muharram by taking out processions. Shia Muslims are a minority in Kashmir.

As a precautionary measure, an alert has been issued to scale up security around Shia mosques in the Valley that could be targeted by terrorists to incite violence, said sources.

Most of the Shia mosques are located in the Budgam and Bandipora districts, and Hajin area near Srinagar.

With heavy lockdown and restrictions in the Valley, it remains unclear whether the permission for taking out processions will be granted this Muharram.

The development comes amid strict restrictions in the Valley since August 5, barring working of a few landline services. Heavy restrictions were imposed in the Valley soon after the Centre on August 5 announced the withdrawal of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which was passed by a Presidential Order in 1954.

The Narendra Modi-led government also announced the bifurcation of J&K into two Union Terrorities - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Article 370 granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, under which the state had its own flag, rights and laws.

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pakistan-could-trigger-shia-sunni-violence-muharram-intel-inputs-1593001-2019-08-29