Srinagar: Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar once again expressed its deep regret over the fact that for the last three and a half years, the authorities have “illegally and arbitrarily” kept its head Mirwaiz Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq under house detention due to which he has not been able to perform the important duty of performing the Jummah prayers at the historic central grand mosque for the consecutive 180th Friday.
Condemning this “dictatorial” behavior of the authorities, the Anjuman in a statement termed it as a sheer interference in religion, freedom of expression and a serious violation of human rights. “It is a sad chapter in the recent history of Kashmir that the mimbar-o-mihrab (pulpit) of the historic Jama Masjid – which is the great place of worship and the centre of spirituality for the Muslims of Kashmir – has been continuously silent for the past three and a half years,” it said.
The worshipers and devotees coming from the cities and villages of the valley are being deprived of benefiting from the sermons of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, which is causing great disappointment among the people, the Auqaf said.
The Anjuman emphasised that in view of the arrival of Rajab-ul-Murajjab, which is the month of the great miracle of the ascension of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), the administration should ensure the immediate release of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir so that he can fulfill his duties towards the people that have been continuing for centuries.
Meanwhile, during Friday prayer in the Jama Masjid today, rich tributes were paid to the founder of Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam Mirwaiz Allama Rasool Shah Sahib (RA) on the occasion of his 114th passing away anniversary.

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KR Desk