OCCUPIED SRINAGAR: Police sealed off parts of occupied Srinagar on Friday to stop Shias from gathering during Muharram amid the coronavirus outbreak and detained at least 50 people. Illegally occupied Kashmir authorities have this year banned Muharram gatherings.

Shia crowds tried to gather in parts of occupied Srinagar, but some were thwarted by police roadblocks and by officers searching vehicles and others chanting slogans were chased down by police. "At least 50 mourners were detained in Srinagar who defied the restrictions," a police officer said. Some scuffled with police before they were taken away.

Before the coronavirus curbs, occupied Kashmir was already under heavy security since last year when the federal government revoked its special status and statehood, causing anger in the revolt-torn Muslim majority region.

Indian security forces martyred four freedom fighters, including a top commander of the Al-Badr group, south of occupied Srinagar, occupied Kashmir valley's police chief, Vijay Kumar, told Reuters.

The freedom fighters had earlier this week abducted a village council member, whose body was discovered on Friday, Kumar said. Police and witnesses said some people taking part in the Muharram processions on the outskirts of occupied Srinagar shouted anti-India slogans earlier in the week.

"There is usually a procession on Muharram but they have put a lot of restrictions this year. All the roads are shut near Lal Chowk (Red Square) ... There are no public transports and shops are also shut. It feels like a curfew," a resident who gave his name as Mohammad said. Protests by occupied Kashmir's 1.4 million Shia community are rare. But this year, Shia youths have been vocal about alleged human rights violations by Indian security forces, said senior Shia leader Maulana Masroor Abbas Ansari.

Kumar said two people were detained for anti-India slogans during the Muharram processions earlier in the week. "We will book and act against all those people who have taken part in such processions at other places," Kumar said.