SRINAGAR, Held Kashmir: Held Kashmir’s Hurriyat Conference while demanding lifting of ban on Muharram processions in the heart of the city said imposing such restrictions amounted to a direct interference in religious matters.

"The ban on Muharram processions is uncalled for and shall be lifted forthwith," it said in a statement in Srinagar.

Since 1989, authorities have banned Muharram processions in the heart of the city. The imposition of restrictions amounted to direct interference in religious matters, a spokesman of the faction said.

"Holding of religious processions is linked with the belief and, therefore, the stand of the government on the issue is unrealistic and undemocratic," it said. "The ban on Muharram processions exposes claims of religious freedom being propagated by the government."

Meanwhile, Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen (IuM) has reiterated its resolve to take out the Aashoora procession through the traditional routes despite restrictions by the authorities.

The IuM, at a meeting of its executive council held here Thursday, condemned the ban on Aashoora procession by the authorities, terming it undemocratic and interference in religious affairs of people.

"Earlier a delegation of the party met the deputy commissioner Srinagar and handed over him a memorandum, requesting him to lift the ban, but he refused to do so," said a spokesman of the party in the statement.