Srinagar: The government on Wednesday allowed people to offer prayers at Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid after more than four months.
The masjid which was closed for prayers after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5 saw Zuhr prayers being offered first time since then.
The gates of the mosque were closed by the authorities to prevent gathering at the grand mosque. The congregation Friday prayers were not allowed for 19 consecutive weeks surpassing the previous record of mosque closure for 16 weeks after the killing of Hizb commander Burhan Wani’s in 2016.
Residents in Nowhatta neighbourhood recall that Fajr and Isha prayers were allowed at the masjid in 2016 but it was first time the mosque was completely closed for prayers.
On Wednesday, the government forces around the mosque were withdrawn and gates were thrown open for prayers, locals said. The local Auqaf committee carried out ablution of the mosque after which noon prayers were offered.

Reader correspondent