Prayers barred at Jamia Masjid for 13th week

BJP leader’s vehicle set ablaze in Kulgam

SRINAGAR: The government disallowed congregational Friday prayers at historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar for 13th consecutive week, even after the transition of J&K from state to Union Territory on Thursday.
Government forces sealed all the entrances to the mosque on Friday.
Heavy deployment of government forces were seen manning the streets and roads since morning in the city, while as, barricades and concertina wires were put on all the entry and exit routes of the city.
Witnesses said that people were barred from visiting the Masjid premises since morning, where only contingents of government forces remained visible throughout the day.
The government has not allowed prayers at the jamia Masjid since the announcement of the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of J&K into two union territories on August 5.
Restrictions were also placed Friday in other areas of the downtown Srinagar like Nowhatta, Maharaj Gunj, Rainawari, Khojabazar and Khanyar areas.
Forces also resorted to teargas shelling in the Khoja Bazar area of the city, where some devotees had gathered to offer the traditional Khoje Digar prayers at the shrine of Khwaja Nashband (RA).
Meanwhile, movement of private vehicles saw slight increase in the city compared to previous three days, even as shops and markets remain shut.
The flea market at Polo Ground area opened again with vendors putting up stalls to sell merchandise after three days.
Life remained crippled due to a shutdown for 89th straight day across Kashmir, with shops, commercial establishments and schools shut, and public transport off the roads.
However, private vehicles were seen plying on roads.
In south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, two vehicles of a BJP worker, Adil Ahmad Ganai were set on fire by some unknown persons in the wee hours of Friday.
Ganai was not present at the time of incident in his house at Bonigam, Qazigund area of the district.
In south Kashmir’s district Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian and Anantnag, a complete shutdown was witnessed with thin movement of private vehicles.
Despite the peak season for export of apples to mainland India, there is no movement of trucks for the last four days.
In north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, authorities imposed strict restrictions in the town and nobody was allowed to move towards Kralpora, where a slain militant was buried on Thursday.
Curfew like restrictions were also imposed in the area to stop people visiting the slain militant’s home at Dradsun village.
Normal life remained hit in Baramulla town, however, people offered congregational prayers in major masjids in the town.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.